Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: 3 Irresistible Secrets

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There’s something about the bold, peppery kick of a good Black Pepper Chicken Recipe that just feels like a hug from your favorite takeout spot—but made in your very own kitchen. If you’re juggling work, kids, and the never-ending laundry pile (been there, folding that), then this recipe is your new dinner BFF. It’s quick, full of flavor, and—wait for it—only takes about 30 minutes start to finish. Yup. Real magic.

I whipped this up one weekday evening after realizing we were one leftover away from mutiny. It was love at first sizzle. The sauce? Velvety. The chicken? Tender. The pepper? Oh, it pops. Let me show you how to bring this cozy, crave-worthy dish to life—no wok skills required.

Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Quick & easy. Perfect for when the clock is screaming “6:00 PM” and your stomach’s singing backup.
Better than takeout. Seriously—less grease, more flavor, and way cheaper.
Family-friendly. Even picky eaters will find something to love (just go easy on the pepper if needed).
Packed with everyday ingredients. Nothing fancy-schmancy, just pantry staples and a little prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this Black Pepper Chicken come to life:

Chicken & Marinade:

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced (1/4” thick is the sweet spot)
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tbsp cornstarch

The Sauce:

½ cup chicken broth
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1½ tbsp sugar
2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
⅛ tsp salt

Stir-Fry Goodness:

2 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
1 tbsp minced ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ white onion, chopped
2 bell peppers (any color combo works!)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Gently coat each slice—your hands work best for this! Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes. (Pro tip: Do this first, then prep the sauce while the chicken soaks in the flavor.)
Mix the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and that glorious black pepper. Set aside. (Give it another stir before you pour it in later—cornstarch likes to settle.)
Sear the chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and spread it out so it’s not all bunched up. Let it sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned. Flip, cook another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t overcook—we’re going for browned and juicy, not dry. Transfer to a plate.
Sauté the aromatics:
Add the second tablespoon of oil. Toss in the ginger and garlic. Stir quickly (don’t burn it—just a few seconds until it smells amazing). Then add onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 20 seconds—just enough to get them started.
Add the sauce & chicken:
Stir the sauce again, then pour it into the skillet. Watch as it thickens like magic! Once it coats the back of a spoon, return the chicken to the pan and stir everything together until coated and glossy. Turn off the heat and move it to a plate right away—residual heat can overcook it if you leave it sitting.
Serve it hot:
Pile it onto a plate (or right over a bed of steamed rice) and serve immediately. Dinner = done.

Aneta’s Kitchen Tips

Prep everything first. This recipe moves fast, so have your ingredients chopped and ready to roll.
Use thighs for juicier bites. Chicken breasts work just fine, but thighs stay super tender.
Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil at the end.
No Shaoxing wine? Dry sherry is a great sub, or even a splash of white wine.

A Little Story From My Stove

I first made this dish on a Tuesday night—you know, the kind of night that feels like it should already be Friday? I had bell peppers hanging out in the crisper and a single chicken breast begging for attention. The result was so good, my husband actually paused the TV to say, “Okay, this one’s a keeper.” That’s how you know.

Grilled chicken and colorful peppers served with rice in a Black Pepper Chicken Recipe bowl.

FAQS About Black Pepper Chicken

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs actually stay juicier and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it saucy.

Is Black Pepper Chicken spicy?

It’s peppery, not spicy. Black pepper gives it a bold, savory kick without heat. If you want spice, add chili flakes or sriracha.

Conclusion

Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just trying to avoid another “What’s for dinner?” meltdown, this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a total weeknight lifesaver. It brings the comfort of takeout with the pride of home cooking—and maybe a few happy food dances at the dinner table.

Go ahead, bookmark this one. You’re gonna want to come back to it again and again. 💛

Keep the Flavor Flowing: More Chicken Dishes You’ll Love

If this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe hit all the right notes for your weeknight dinner, you’re going to want to check out a few more delicious options that bring just as much magic to your table. Whether you’re craving something creamy, grilled, or downright comforting, here are some reader-favorite recipes to explore next:

For another bold and savory stir-fry experience, this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a flavor-packed meal that’s quick enough for busy weeknights.
Craving something creamy with a hint of tang? Don’t miss the comforting One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice—it’s a one-dish wonder.
Looking to fire up the grill? Try the zesty, citrusy twist of Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken for your next cookout.
And if cozy casseroles are more your thing, you’ll love the savory simplicity of the Chicken and Dressing Casserole—a true comfort classic.

These recipes are perfect companions to your Black Pepper Chicken adventure—giving you even more ways to bring variety, flavor, and ease to your kitchen. Enjoy, and keep cooking up that chicken magic! 🍗✨

Happy cooking!
~ Aneta 🍗✨