Black Pepper Chicken
If you're looking to enhance the flavors of your weeknight dinners, why not try this delectable Chinese-inspired recipe for black pepper chicken? Each bite of this dish is a delightful combination of savory, peppery, and slightly tangy flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
I thoroughly enjoy recreating my favorite Chinese dishes in the comfort of my own kitchen. Once you've savored the incredible taste of this black pepper chicken, consider trying out my homemade recipes for sweet and sour chicken, Szechuan chicken, or kung pao chicken!

Recipe for Black Pepper Chicken
For all the Chinese cuisine enthusiasts out there, get ready to meet your new go-to dinner recipe – black pepper chicken! This dish boasts a crispy exterior, vibrant bell peppers, and a homemade sauce that bursts with the boldness of black pepper, garlic, and ginger. It's guaranteed to make you dance with joy in your kitchen. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and takes only 30 minutes to cook – just as long as it would take for Chinese takeout to arrive at your doorstep!
The black pepper chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, making it irresistible. And when you prepare it at home, you have the freedom to customize it to your heart's content. Craving some extra spiciness? Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes. Want to incorporate more veggies? Load it up with your favorites! This stir fry recipe surpasses takeout quality and will become a favorite that you'll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for the Stir Fry and Sauce
Every ingredient in this dish contributes to the amazing flavors that come together in perfect harmony, from the juicy chicken coated in a crispy blend of cornstarch and flour to the zesty homemade sauce featuring garlic, ginger, and tangy soy sauce. The combination of flavors is simply outstanding! For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card below.
• Chicken Breasts: Cut into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can use pork if you prefer.
• Cornstarch: Provides a crispy coating for the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Combined with cornstarch to add an extra crunch to the black pepper chicken.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a spicy and aromatic kick.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken.
• Yellow Onion: Adds texture and a savory, slightly sweet taste. Red onion, white onion, or shallot can be used as alternatives.
• Red and Green Bell Peppers: Bring freshness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dish.
Black Pepper Sauce
• Black Pepper: This warm and flavorful spice infuses the black pepper sauce with a bold kick.
• Garlic Powder: Because you can never go wrong with garlic!
• Ground Ginger: This fragrant spice adds a subtle zing and earthy flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Acts as a natural sweetener, balancing the sauce by mellowing out its spiciness and tanginess.
• Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, providing a savory umami taste. It adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Shaoxing Wine: A traditional Chinese cooking wine that contributes a subtle sweetness and complexity, elevating the sauce with its unique flavor.
• Chinkiang Vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, providing depth and contrast to the black pepper sauce.
• Cornstarch: Serves as a thickening agent, ensuring the sauce has a smooth and velvety consistency that coats the black pepper chicken perfectly.

How to Prepare Black Pepper Chicken
Making black pepper chicken is a breeze – simply whisk together the sauce ingredients and toss everything in a skillet! It's a straightforward and delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large bowl, coat the cubed chicken with cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the chicken until it's cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook Veggies: Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté them in the remaining oil and chicken juices until they begin to soften.
- Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce, ensuring the cornstarch doesn't clump together.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the sauce mixture. Simmer until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat it evenly. Sauté everything together for a few more minutes until the sauce has reached your desired thickness.