Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s quick, delicious, and packed with bold flavors? Look no further than Black Pepper Chicken Recipe, a Chinese-American stir-fry dish that’s a favorite for its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a punchy black pepper sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re a fan of Panda Express or simply love Asian-inspired cuisine, this dish is a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this guide, you’ll discover a foolproof recipe for Black Pepper Chicken, complete with step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and answers to common questions like its health benefits and calorie count. Plus, we’ll share pro tips to make your stir-fry shine, so you can impress your family or guests with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the world of Black Pepper Chicken and get cooking!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Black Pepper Chicken?
Black Pepper Chicken is a mouthwatering Chinese-American stir-fry that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold, savory sauce with a distinctive black pepper kick. This dish, often found on menus at places like Panda Express, is a fusion of Cantonese cooking techniques and Americanized flavors, making it a go-to for anyone craving a quick yet flavorful meal. The star of the dish is its robust sauce, which combines the warmth of coarsely ground black pepper with umami-rich ingredients like oyster sauce and soy sauce, creating a perfect balance of spice and depth.
You’ll love how the chicken absorbs these flavors, while veggies like bell peppers and onions add crunch and color. What makes the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe so appealing is its versatility—it’s a fantastic takeout alternative that you can whip up at home in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great option for those looking to enjoy healthy Asian recipes without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a stir-fry novice or a seasoned home cook, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
You’re ready to make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe, but what do you need? This dish uses simple ingredients to create bold flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need, broken down for clarity.
Chicken Marinade Ingredients
The marinade is key to juicy, flavorful chicken. You’ll need:
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs): The breast is leaner, thighs are juicier.
- 3 tablespoons water: Helps the marinade soak in.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Keeps the chicken tender.
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil: Use vegetable, canola, or avocado oil for cooking.
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce: Adds umami depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper: Brings the signature kick.
These ingredients ensure your chicken stays tender and flavorful. Mix them well for best results. Check out more chicken recipes for inspiration.
Sauce and Stir-Fry Ingredients
The sauce and veggies make the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe shine. Gather these:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock: Forms the sauce base.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Boosts savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce: Adds saltiness without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce: Gives a rich color and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the pepper’s heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma.
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil: For stir-frying, divide for cooking steps.
- **2 cloves garlic,
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken: Step-by-Step Recipe
Ready to cook Black Pepper Chicken Recipe? This 30-minute stir-fry is simple yet bursting with flavor. Follow these steps for a dish that rivals your favorite takeout.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, combine 12 ounces sliced chicken breast, 3 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon neutral oil, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix by hand until the chicken absorbs the liquid, then set aside for 10 minutes.
This step keeps the chicken tender and flavorful. Don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s key for a velvety texture. Prep your other ingredients while the chicken marinates.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Next, make the sauce. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir until fully combined.
This sauce delivers the dish’s bold, savory taste. Keep it nearby for the stir-fry. Double-check your ingredients to ensure nothing’s missing.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Dish
Heat your wok over high heat until smoking. Add 2 tablespoons neutral oil, then spread the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear for a couple of minutes until opaque, then remove and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon oil. Stir-fry 2 cloves finely chopped garlic and 1 medium onion (wedged) for 20 seconds, then add 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine around the wok’s edge. Toss in 1/2 bell pepper (1-inch pieces), 1 stalk celery (thinly sliced), and 1 teaspoon black pepper, stir-frying for 30 seconds.
Pour in the sauce mixture and deglaze the wok. Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry, then drizzle it in while stirring. Simmer for 10–15 seconds until the sauce thickens, then return the chicken and its juices to the wok.
Toss everything until the chicken is coated and the sauce is glossy. Adjust the sauce if needed—add dark soy sauce for color, more slurry for thickness, or water if too thick. Explore more stir-fry recipes for similar techniques.
Tips for Success
Use a wok for the best heat distribution. Keep your head high to lock in flavors. Prep all ingredients beforehand to make stir-frying seamless.
Don’t overcook the chicken during the initial sear—it finishes cooking in the sauce. Taste the sauce before serving and tweak the seasonings to your liking. Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Is Black Pepper Chicken Recipe Healthy?
Wondering if the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a healthy choice? This stir-fry offers a solid nutritional profile. Let’s break down its benefits and considerations.
Each serving of the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is about 250 calories. With 20 grams of protein, it’s great for muscle maintenance. It’s also low in carbs, with only 9 grams per serving.
The dish includes lean chicken breast and vegetables like bell peppers and celery. These provide vitamins A and C, boosting immunity. The fiber from veggies supports digestion.
Black pepper itself has health perks. It may aid digestion and has antioxidant properties. You get flavor and benefits in every bite.
However, the sodium content is 742 mg per serving. This could be high for those watching salt intake. Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut it down.
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of oil, adding 15 grams of fat. Opt for less oil or healthier fats like avocado oil. This keeps the dish lighter.
For an even healthier version, swap rice for cauliflower rice. You can also increase the veggie portion. These tweaks make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe fit various diets.
So, is the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe healthy? Yes, it’s a balanced option with lean protein and veggies. Just tweak the sodium and oil for your needs.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Your Black Pepper Chicken is ready—now how do you serve it? This dish shines with the right sides and pairings. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal.
Serve the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe over steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. It’s a classic combo that’s always a hit.
For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. It complements the dish’s bold flavors. You’ll keep the meal light and healthy.
Pair it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. These add extra crunch and color. They also boost the meal’s nutrition.
A light cucumber salad works great as a side. Its freshness balances the peppery heat. Toss with sesame oil and rice vinegar for authenticity.
Sip jasmine tea or a chilled green tea with your meal. These drinks enhance the Asian-inspired flavors. They’re refreshing and cleansing.
For meal prep, store the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe in airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Freezing is an option, too. Portion it out and freeze it for up to a month. Thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is your go-to for a quick, flavorful meal. In just 30 minutes, you get tender chicken and bold flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This dish is versatile and healthy, too. With lean protein and veggies, it fits many diets. Adjust the sauce to make it your own.
Ready to try Black Pepper Chicken Recipe? Grab your wok and give this recipe a spin. Share your results or variations in the comments below!
FAQ
What are the ingredients ts for the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?
You’ll need chicken breast, cornstarch, oyster sauce, and black pepper for the marinade. For the stir-fry, grab chicken stock, soy sauces, sesame oil, garlic, onion, bell pepper, celery, and Shaoxing wine. Check the full list above for exact amounts.
How do you make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?
Marinate the chicken for 10 minutes, then sear it in a hot wok. Stir-fry garlic, onion, peppers, and celery with black pepper, add the sauce, and thicken with a cornstarch slurry. Toss the chicken back in and serve hot.
Is Black Pepper Chicken a healthy dish?
Yes, the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a balanced option. It’s high in protein and packed with veggies, but watch the sodium from soy sauce. Use low-sodium options for a healthier twist.
How many calories are in Black Pepper Chicken?
A serving of Black Pepper Chicken has about 250 calories. It’s low in carbs and provides 20 grams of protein. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.