Get ready to discover why Easy Black Pepper Chicken is about to join your list of weeknight heroes! This vibrant stir-fry is brimming with juicy chicken, crisp bell peppers, and aromatic onion, all tossed in a spicy-sweet black pepper sauce that’s so addictive, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. With under 30 minutes from stovetop to table, it’s the perfect way to whip up some serious flavor without breaking a sweat — or the bank. If you’re craving a dish that balances bold spice, comforting sweetness, and colorful crunch, you’re in the right place.

Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Black Pepper Chicken is in its simplicity — every ingredient brings something essential, whether it’s depth, color, or a bold spark of flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Chicken breast: The star of the show! It cooks up tender and soaks in all that peppery sauce.
Soy sauce: Don’t skip this — it’s the salty-sweet backbone that seasons both the chicken and the sauce.
Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light, crisp coating for that takeout-style texture.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and high-heat friendly, perfect for getting a gorgeous sear.
Onion: Slices turn tender-sweet and add savory depth with each bite.
Green bell pepper: For freshness and a pop of grassy brightness.
Red bell pepper: A mild, sweet crunch and eye-catching color.
Garlic: Just three cloves take the aroma to the next level.
Freshly ground black pepper: The namesake ingredient, bringing signature heat and zing.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory, meaty base to the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Delivers that crave-worthy umami depth (don’t worry, it doesn’t taste fishy).
Rice vinegar: A splash of acid brightens up the whole dish.
Honey: A touch of sweetness balances that bold black pepper punch.
Sesame oil: Adds a final nutty richness right before serving.
Cooked white rice: The essential companion — perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.

How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss your chicken pieces with one tablespoon of soy sauce and all of the cornstarch. This quick marinade doesn’t just boost flavor — it helps the chicken develop a silky texture and a light golden crust once it hits the hot pan. Give it a good mix, making sure every bite is evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high. When it’s shimmering, add the marinated chicken. Let the pieces sit untouched for a minute or two so they can get some color, then stir and cook for another few minutes until nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate — you’ll finish it in the sauce later.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out — those browned bits add extra flavor!), stir-fry your sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Let them get just tender with a hint of crispness, which usually takes about three to four minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for half a minute, letting that irresistible aroma bloom.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken to your pan of veggies. In a small bowl, whisk up chicken broth, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, the rest of the soy sauce, and — of course — a whole tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper. Pour this magical mixture over everything, stirring to coat. Let it simmer for two to three minutes until the sauce thickens and everything’s glossy and cooked through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Take your skillet off the heat and drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry. Give it a gentle toss, then serve piping hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. Every bite bursts with bold flavor, just like your favorite takeout joint, but made fresh in your own kitchen.

How to Serve Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Easy Black Pepper Chicken with a scattering of chopped scallions for an extra pop of fresh flavor, or a few toasted sesame seeds for subtle crunch. If you love heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will make those pepper notes sing.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a simple steamed veggie like broccoli or snap peas for color and a boost of nutrition. A side of classic egg drop soup or a crisp Asian slaw can round out your meal beautifully, keeping things light, satisfying, and perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try loading Easy Black Pepper Chicken into a lettuce cup for a fun, hand-held appetizer, or spoon it into a grain bowl over jasmine rice and quick pickled veggies for a stunning weeknight dinner upgrade. Leftovers are fantastic tucked into a soft wrap with a swipe of sriracha mayo!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge within two hours of serving. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making this an amazing lunch prep idea as well.

Freezing

If you want to stock up for busier days, let the dish cool fully before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe container (rice and chicken together is fine), and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second bursts until steaming hot, or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The bold flavors remain, so don’t be afraid to prep ahead!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and offer even more flavor, making them a fantastic alternative. Just trim any excess fat before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Is Easy Black Pepper Chicken spicy?

It has a pleasant peppery kick from the generous amount of black pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can amp up the heat with red pepper flakes or tone it down by starting with less pepper and adjusting to taste.

What kind of rice goes best with Easy Black Pepper Chicken?

A fluffy long-grain white rice, like jasmine, is perfect for soaking up all that rich sauce. Brown rice will work too if you want a bit more fiber and nutty flavor.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes! Swap in gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, and you’ll have an Easy Black Pepper Chicken that’s entirely gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.

How do I get the sauce to thicken nicely?

The cornstarch on the chicken, plus the quick simmer at the end, will naturally thicken the sauce. If you want it even thicker, stir in a slurry of half a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the last minute of cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for a fuss-free dish that bursts with flavor and comes together faster than you can order takeout, Easy Black Pepper Chicken is your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to taste how the savory sauce and crisp veggies make each bite a little celebration. Give this recipe a spot in your weekly routine — I promise, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with colorful bell peppers in a savory black pepper sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook chicken until browned, then set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, stir-fry onion, bell peppers until slightly softened. Add garlic.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet. Whisk together broth, oyster sauce, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken and veggies.
Finish: Cook until the sauce thickens. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve over rice.