Hey there! If you love a good chicken dinner, you are in the right place today. I’m bringing you a fantastic round-up of my best black pepper chicken recipes that are perfect for any night of the week.
These recipes are simple to make, packed with flavor, and will quickly become your new favorites. I know you’ll find a delicious way to enjoy black pepper chicken here.
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Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe For Dinner
This recipe is my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. It features tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, peppery sauce that’s just perfect for your weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Black Pepper Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs here because they stay juicy and tender. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Freshly Ground Pepper: For the best flavor, I always recommend using freshly ground black pepper. It makes a big difference compared to pre-ground pepper.
What You Need for This Easy Black Pepper Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat all the chicken. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes while you get your other ingredients ready.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but are still a bit crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You might need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Make the Black Pepper Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, oyster sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, thickening slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken and vegetables to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently until the chicken and vegetables are fully coated. Serve your Easy Black Pepper Chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
📝 Final Note
This dish is best served right away for the freshest taste. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Easy Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
If you love the earthy taste of mushrooms, this black pepper chicken recipe is definitely for you. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture to the classic dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
- Mushrooms: I usually use cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, but white button mushrooms or sliced shiitake work well too. Make sure to wipe them clean with a damp cloth instead of washing them to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Adjusting Pepper: The amount of black pepper is really up to you. Start with the suggested amount and add more at the end if you like a stronger pepper kick.
What You Need for This Easy Mushroom Black Pepper Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Mushroom Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
Combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a bowl. Toss to coat and set aside for about 10 minutes. This quick marinade helps tenderize the chicken.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms and Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are browned and their liquid has evaporated. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add another tablespoon of oil, then add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove vegetables and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the last tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is browned and mostly cooked through.
Step 4: Combine with Sauce
Return the cooked mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion to the pan with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, dark soy sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and then add it to the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and everything is well coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms immediately over fluffy rice or noodles.
📝 Final Note
You can try this recipe with different types of mushrooms, like sliced portobello, for a fun change in taste and texture!