Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a bold, savory stir-fry packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a punchy black pepper sauce that clings to every bite. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like takeout but comes together fast in my own kitchen. With just the right amount of heat from freshly ground black pepper and a glossy, rich sauce, it’s the kind of recipe I keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, flavorful, and way better than anything I get from a takeout box. The black pepper sauce is simple but delivers huge flavor—spicy, salty, and slightly sweet. It coats the juicy pieces of chicken and crisp-tender vegetables perfectly. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)

• Oyster sauce

• Cornstarch

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Garlic, minced

• Ginger, minced

• Onion, sliced

• Bell peppers (any color), sliced

• Green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)

• Vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

• Sugar (just a pinch for balance)

• Water or chicken broth (to thin the sauce slightly)

directions

1. I start by marinating the chicken in a little soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper—just for 10–15 minutes while I prep the other ingredients.

2. In a small bowl, I mix together the rest of the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, and extra black pepper to create the sauce.

3. I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then stir-fry the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.

4. In the same pan, I add more oil if needed and sauté garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers until just tender.

5. I return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir everything together. The sauce thickens quickly and coats everything beautifully.

6. I cook for another 1–2 minutes until glossy and hot, then garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This dish makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so it’s on the table in just 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu when I want a change. I’ve also tossed in mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli depending on what I have in the fridge. If I’m craving heat, I add chili flakes or a splash of chili oil. And for a saucier dish, I double the sauce and serve it over steamed rice or noodles.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, I often use chicken breast when I want a leaner option. I just make sure not to overcook it so it stays tender.

What makes this dish taste like takeout?

The combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh black pepper gives it that savory, slightly smoky flavor that’s just like my favorite Chinese restaurant version.

Is freshly ground black pepper necessary?

Yes, for the best flavor. Pre-ground pepper doesn’t have the same punch or aroma. I grind it coarsely for maximum impact.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and a gluten-free oyster sauce substitute, and it turns out great.

What do I serve this with?

I love it with jasmine rice, but it’s also great over noodles or with stir-fried vegetables for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a bold, fast, and flavorful dish that proves homemade takeout can be even better than the real thing. It’s easy to customize, quick to cook, and loaded with that irresistible peppery punch. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this stir-fry is always a satisfying win.