When it comes to Asian recipes, nothing beats a stir-fry. They are quick, tasty, and packed with fresh vegetables. How do we make a stir-fry taste that much better? Make them taste like something you’d get at a Chinese fast-food restaurant. Enter- black pepper chicken!
What is Chinese black pepper chicken?
Black pepper chicken is a popular Chinese takeout dish made from dried herbs, sliced chicken, and bell peppers, all covered in a delicious black pepper sauce. Like black pepper Angus steak, it’s a popular option at Panda Express! Why this black pepper chicken recipe will be a dinnertime favorite:
Easy to make. This recipe might look fancy, but it’s so easy and needs very little effort. Healthy. Like chicken lettuce wraps, this dish is Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a well-balanced meal that everyone will enjoy. Tastes like takeout. Similar to honey walnut shrimp, if you’ve eaten black pepper chicken from a Chinese restaurant, you’d think this was the same! Versatile. Serve it with rice, noodles, or even on its own- it’s so good!
What we love about this recipe is just how much more delicious it is when made at home! Just like when we make Hunan chicken, empress chicken, and Mongolian chicken, it tastes that much better than if we ate it from a takeout container!
Ingredients for pepper chicken
This recipe is very simple and uses a handful of pantry staple ingredients to make. Here is what you’ll need:
Chicken thighs. Skinless and boneless fillets. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer. Bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sliced and chopped. Vegetable oil. For cooking.
For the black pepper sauce
Soy sauce. Tamari or gluten free soy sauce work. Dry sherry. Or Shaoxing wine. For a non-alcoholic option, use a mix of apple cider vinegar and white sugar. Cornstarch. To thicken the sauce. Chicken broth. Choose good quality chicken broth that has no added sugar or salt. Sesame oil. A very flavorful oil that works well in Asian recipes and stir-fries. Sugar. Adds a sweet element to the sauce.
How to make black pepper chicken
Simple is an understatement for this recipe. Besides a quick chicken marination and prepping the sauce, there isn’t much else that goes into it. Step 1- Marinate the chicken Add chicken thighs, soy sauce and wine to a mixing bowl and let it marinate for at least 5 minutes. Step 2- Prepare the black pepper sauce Mix the soy sauce with cornstarch to make a slurry. Then add the remaining sherry, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper and chicken broth to the slurry. Keep onions and bell peppers in a separate bowl and garlic and ginger in another. Step 3- Cook the chicken Add some oil to a wok or large skillet, place over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for 2 minutes. Remove the wok from the heat and add the remaining oil. Add the peppers and onions and stir fry for several minutes. Once done, transfer to the bowl with seared chicken. Put the wok back on the heat and let it smoke. Add garlic, ginger, onions, pepper, and chicken back and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add the black pepper sauce, toss everything together, and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until combined.
Tips to make the best recipe
For even more flavorful chicken, you can prep it the night before. For a spicy kick, feel free to add some chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or even hot sauce. While stir-frying meat, keep the flame high to add a smoky flavor to the dish and make the chicken juicy. Make some hot and sour or egg drop soup or crab rangoons to enjoy as an appetizer before this. Feel free to change up the veggies. Broccoli, celery, and cauliflower are all delicious alternatives!
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze: Place chicken in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Reheating: Microwave the chicken for 30-40 seconds or reheat in a non-stick pan.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
Wok. A must when working with Asian recipes. Non-stick skillet. If you don’t have a wok, a good quality skillet is a close second. Spatula. To easy mix and toss everything together.
More takeout copycat recipes to try
General Tso’s chicken Chicken chow mein Sesame chicken Szechuan chicken Beef and broccoli Pineapple chicken
