If you’re craving a savory, spicy, and irresistibly aromatic dinner, Black Pepper Chicken is the answer. This classic stir-fry dish brings together juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and a punchy black pepper sauce—all ready in under 30 minutes. Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, it’s a must-have for your dinner rotation.
Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken
For the chicken marinade:
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1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the sauce:
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
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1 tablespoon light soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
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2 teaspoons sugar
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1 tablespoon water
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
the stir-fry:
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, sliced
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1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into strips
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
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2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large wok or non-stick skillet
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring spoons
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Knife and cutting board
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Spatula or wooden spoon
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.
2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the garlic, ginger (if using), onion, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the prepared black pepper sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
6: Garnish and Serve
Add scallions, toss once more, and remove from heat. Serve hot over white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Tips for the Best Black Pepper Chicken
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Use freshly ground black pepper: Pre-ground pepper lacks the strong, punchy aroma of freshly cracked peppercorns. For maximum flavor, grind your pepper just before adding it to the sauce.
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Chicken thighs vs. breasts: Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts work well too—just don’t overcook them.
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Get the wok hot: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken or veggies.
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Add some heat: If you like spicy food, toss in a chopped chili or a pinch of chili flakes.
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Vegetable add-ins: Snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn are excellent additions if you want to bulk it up.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
This recipe makes 4 servings.
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Calories: 290
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Protein: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 820mg
Note: Values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.
Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is better than takeout—healthier, fresher, and customizable. With bold black pepper flavor, savory umami from oyster sauce, and crisp veggies, it’s the kind of recipe that satisfies cravings without hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced foodie, this dish is easy to master and impossible to forget.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and family-friendly, Black Pepper Chicken should be your go-to. With its bold spice, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies, it checks all the boxes for an easy dinner win. Try it tonight, and you’ll never look at pepper the same way again!