First off, thank you. Truly—thank you for being here and for sharing in these little joyful moments in the kitchen with me. Whether you’ve been with me since the first sprinkle of seasoning or just stumbled upon this flavor-packed gem, I’m so glad you’re here. And today, I’ve got something special that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your dinner rotation: Black Pepper Chicken—simple, bold, and anything but boring!!
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What Is Black Pepper Chicken?
Black Pepper Chicken is a beloved stir-fry dish known for its savory depth, punchy pepper heat, and tender bites of chicken. Inspired by Asian takeout favorites but made healthier and fresher at home, this dish is the kind of no-fuss, full-flavor magic that’s perfect for busy nights or laid-back weekend cooking.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
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Quick and Easy – 30 minutes start to finish!
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One-pan magic – Less mess, less cleanup.
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Customizable – Swap veggies, spice it up, or keep it mild.
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Meal Prep Friendly – It reheats beautifully.
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That Sauce Though – Just the right balance of salty, spicy, and savory.
The Taste? Oh My… ❤️🔥
Imagine this: juicy chicken pieces perfectly seared, coated in a light soy glaze with hints of garlic, ginger, and that unmistakable crackle of freshly ground black pepper. The vegetables stay crisp-tender and colorful, and the scent when it all comes together? Absolutely mouthwatering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
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2 tbsp soy sauce 🍜
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1 tbsp cornstarch 🌽
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2 tbsp vegetable oil 🛢️
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1 bell pepper, sliced 🌶️
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1 onion, sliced 🧅
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3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
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1 inch ginger, minced 🥢
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1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground 🧂
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1/2 tsp salt 🧂
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2 green onions, chopped for garnish 🌿
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Optional: Cooked rice for serving 🍚
Tools You’ll Need
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A large skillet or wok
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A sharp chef’s knife
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A cutting board
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Mixing bowls for marinating
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A wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredient Additions & Swaps
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
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Protein Swap: Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
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Veggie Boost: Add broccoli florets, snap peas, or mushrooms.
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Sauce Twist: Add a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin for a deeper umami.
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Heat Level: Want more kick? Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same skillet, add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle with black pepper and salt. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and serve hot, ideally over fluffy rice. Perfection!
What to Serve with Black Pepper Chicken
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Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice 🍚
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Garlic Noodles
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Simple Asian Slaw
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Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing
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Or even tuck it into lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb twist!
Tips for the Best Results
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Freshly ground pepper makes all the difference. Don’t use pre-ground if you can help it!
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High heat = better sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
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Slice veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate.
How to Store and Reheat
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
General Information
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Calories: ~280 per serving
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Servings: 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is great for meal prep. Make a big batch and divide it over rice for grab-and-go lunches.
Is it spicy?
It has a kick from the black pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can control the heat easily.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a bigger pan or cook in batches to keep everything nicely browned.
In Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken is that go-to recipe that saves your weeknight—and somehow still feels like a treat. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Whether you serve it over rice, wrap it in lettuce, or load it up with extra veggies, this dish delivers every time.
Looking for more cozy, flavor-packed dishes like this? Check out my peach-infused recipes next—like my Savory Peach Chicken Stir-Fry or Grilled Peach Glazed Drumsticks (coming soon!).
Let’s Make This Together! 💬
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
Leave a review below, pin it on Pinterest, or tag me in your delicious photos online. Let’s inspire more homemade happiness, one meal at a time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 280 kcal
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Protein: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 540mg
Thanks again for being here. Until next time—happy cooking, and don’t forget to add that extra twist of black pepper! 🖤
