When you think of a quick yet scrumptious dinner, it’s hard to resist the siren call of a black pepper chicken recipe. There’s something so tantalizing about the aroma of chicken, seasoned just right and sizzling in a hot wok, that brings a smile to my face. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a robust black pepper sauce and colorful vegetables, creating an inviting feast in under 30 minutes. If you’re on a journey to surprise your family with an Asian-inspired meal, then this lemon black pepper chicken is just the ticket. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare and cook, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
- The vibrant flavors from garlic and black pepper will dance on your palate.
- Versatile and easily customizable – add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level!
- Perfect for meal prep; leftovers reheat beautifully for a tasty lunch the next day.
Ingredients
– Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless for maximum flavor and tenderness.
– Soy sauce: Adds depth and a hint of saltiness to the dish.
– Garlic: Minced for that aromatic touch that elevates the entire recipe.
– Cornstarch: Essential for giving the chicken a crispy texture when cooked.
– Vegetable oil: Helps in frying the chicken to golden perfection.
– Onions: Chopped for sweetness that balances the savory elements.
– Red bell pepper: Adds color and crunch to the dish.
– Sesame oil: A drizzle at the end to give a nutty aroma.
– Black pepper sauce ingredients: Including Sichuan peppercorn, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine for a rich and flavorful finish.
**Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.**
How to Make the Recipe
Getting started with my black pepper chicken recipe is a breeze! Let’s break it down step by step:
1. **Prep the Chicken**: In a medium-sized bowl, combine your chicken pieces with a tablespoon of soy sauce and the minced garlic. Toss it all together to coat the chicken evenly. Next, sprinkle cornstarch over it and mix well again to ensure each piece is nicely covered.
2. **Make the Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together the black pepper sauce ingredients, ensuring you blend those magical flavors into a rich mixture.
3. **Cook the Chicken**: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add half of your prepared chicken to the wok and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the pieces turn a delicious golden brown. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat this step with the remaining chicken.
4. **Sauté the Vegetables**: If you find there’s no oil left in the skillet, splash in another tablespoon. Toss in your chopped onions and red bell peppers, cooking them for just a minute till they begin to soften.
5. **Combine with Sauce**: Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked chicken to the wok, pour in the black pepper sauce, and toss until everything is well coated in that fragrant sauce. Drizzle some sesame oil over it and give one last good stir.
6. **Serve**: This dish is best served hot over a bed of fluffy rice. Enjoy your delightful black pepper chicken with your loved ones!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– **Prep Ahead**: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. This dish cooks quickly, and having everything in place makes the process smooth and fun.
– **Don’t Rush the Chicken**: Make sure to let the chicken get nice and golden. Don’t overcrowd the wok; it’s better to cook in batches for that irresistible crispy texture.
– **Customize to Fit Your Family**: Want a bit of heat? Add sliced chili peppers or adjust the amount of black pepper in the sauce! You can also include other veggies like broccoli or snap peas for an extra crunch.
How to Serve
To elevate your dining experience, serve your black pepper chicken over a generous scoop of steamed jasmine rice or alongside some stir-fried noodles. Fresh cilantro or sesame seeds sprinkled on top can add a delightful finishing touch. Pair it with a simple side salad or crispy spring rolls, and you’ll have a dinnertime spread that’ll impress friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
This black pepper chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container, and you’ll find they can last in the fridge for 3–4 days. If you’re looking to store them longer, consider freezing in an airtight container, where it can stay good for up to 3–4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. It’s such a treat to have a delicious meal ready to go!
There you have it—my ultimate black pepper chicken recipe! I hope you find as much joy in making and savoring this dish as I do. It’s a simple, flavorful delight that’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Nonstick Chinese Wok
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large onions chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Black Pepper Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorn powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper freshly ground
- ⅓ cup oyster sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- ¼ cup Shaoxing wine
Instructions
- Combine chicken with soy sauce and minced garlic. Toss well, then sprinkle with cornstarch and toss again.
- In a small bowl, mix all black pepper sauce ingredients together.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Cook half the chicken until golden brown, then transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- If necessary, add more oil to the wok. Sauté onions and peppers briefly, then return chicken and add black pepper sauce. Toss and drizzle sesame oil over top.
- Serve immediately over rice.