Black pepper chicken is the kind of dish that surprises you the first time you try it. It feels familiar, like classic Chinese takeout, but carries this deep, floral kick from black pepper that lingers on your tongue and makes you want more. Not too heavy, not too plain—just that perfect weekday comfort food.
I didn’t grow up eating it. Honestly, my takeout orders rarely changed—egg rolls, beef with broccoli, and some noodles thrown in. One day, starving and desperate for variety, Black Pepper Chicken appeared on my plate. From the first bite, I thought, “Ah… now this is what pepper dreams are made of.”
You see, Chinese cooking usually leans toward white pepper, but this recipe turns the focus on its darker sibling. Black pepper brings layers of flavor—slightly fruity, earthy, and warmly spicy—that transform a simple brown sauce into something extraordinary.
When’s the Best Time to Cook Black Pepper Chicken?
This dish works like a charm on busy weeknights. It only takes a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes to bring together, which makes it perfect when you’re staring at the fridge wondering how to avoid yet another delivery order.
It’s also a great weekend dish for entertaining. Served over steaming bowls of rice, it carries enough bold flavor to stand out on a dinner table, yet it’s familiar enough that everyone—from spice-lovers to cautious eaters—can enjoy it without hesitation.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gather these fresh and pantry staples to create this peppery, savory, slightly sweet chicken stir-fry:
- 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs) – thinly sliced, the protein heart of the dish.
- 3 tablespoons water – helps tenderize the meat in the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – locks in juiciness while cooking.
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado) – keeps flavors clean.
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce – adds umami depth.
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper – the star spice in your marinade.
- ½ cup low sodium chicken stock – the base of the savory sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – richer flavor for the sauce itself.
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce – salty balance.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – just enough sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce – for a glossy, rich brown color.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil – a nutty finish.
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil, divided – frying essentials.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped – sharp, fragrant depth.
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges – sweetens as it cooks.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine – lifts flavors (can substitute with dry sherry if needed).
- ½ bell pepper, any color, chopped into 1-inch pieces – adds crunch and freshness.
- 1 stalk celery, sliced on an angle – light, crisp contrast.
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper – for that extra hit of spice.
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water – to thicken the sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions You Can Try
Don’t let missing ingredients stop you. This recipe adapts easily with what you have on hand. For instance, chicken thighs work beautifully if you prefer darker, juicier meat. Firm tofu can also replace chicken entirely for a vegetarian twist.
No Shaoxing wine? Swap in dry sherry or even a splash of apple juice for a mild sweetness. And if you’re low on oyster sauce, hoisin or even a dash of fish sauce can step in—just adjust the salt levels. The main rule: keep the black pepper generous, because that’s what defines the dish.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with water, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Rub gently until the marinade clings to each strip of meat. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes—this little pause makes the chicken super tender once it hits the wok.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
In a small cup, combine chicken stock, oyster sauce, soy sauces (both light and dark), sugar, and a touch of sesame oil. Stir until smooth and set it aside. This sauce is what ties together pepper, veggies, and chicken into one savory harmony.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a wok on high until smoking. Add two tablespoons oil, spread the chicken in one layer, and let it sear. Don’t stir too quickly—give it a chance to build that golden, slightly crusty edge. Remove it once it’s opaque but not fully cooked through.
Step 4: Build the Base
In the same wok, drop in a splash of oil, garlic, and onion. That smell? Heavenly. Stir-fry quickly, then pour in a swirl of Shaoxing wine around the edges for a sizzling lift of flavor. It’s the chorus before the big finale.
Step 5: Add Veggies and Pepper
Toss in celery and bell peppers, then sprinkle more coarsely ground black pepper. Stir-fry just until the veggies lose rawness but still crunch when bitten. You want them alive—not limp.
Step 6: Sauce and Simmer
Pour the sauce mix into the wok and stir, scraping up any browned bits. When it begins to bubble lightly, drizzle the cornstarch slurry and mix until the sauce turns glossy and clings to your spatula like silk.
Step 7: Finish with Chicken
Add the partially cooked chicken along with any juices. Toss everything until well-coated. Let it cook just long enough for the chicken to finish—juicy, coated, and ready to slide onto a bowl of fluffy steamed rice.
How to Store and Reheat?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit as it cools, but that’s nothing a splash of water or broth can’t fix when reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop for the best texture. Microwaving is quicker, but it sometimes makes the veggies softer. If you’re planning ahead, you can even prep the chicken and sauce separately the night before—making weeknight cooking absolutely effortless.
Pairing Ideas for Black Pepper Chicken
Classic white steamed rice is your safest, most comforting companion—it soaks up that glossy sauce like a dream. But you can go bold too: fried rice, garlicky noodles, or even quinoa for a lighter, wholesome choice.
On the side, simple stir-fried greens—bok choy, broccoli, or Chinese cabbage—balance the spice nicely. And if you truly want to treat yourself, serve it with spring rolls or dumplings for a mini takeout-feast at home.
Tips
- Always grind your black pepper fresh. Pre-ground versions lose punch quickly, and you’ll miss that burst of aroma that defines the dish. A coarse grind works best—tiny crunches of pepper release their oils right into your sauce.
- If you want more sauce to pour over rice, simply double the liquid part of the recipe while keeping chicken amounts the same. On the flip side, for a drier stir-fry, reduce the cornstarch slurry or simmer longer until most of the liquid cooks off.
- And don’t overcrowd your wok. Cooking in small, even batches is the secret behind restaurant-style stir-fries that taste crisp, deep, and never soggy. Crowding = steaming… and honestly, that’s not what this dish deserves.
Black pepper chicken isn’t just another stir-fry—it’s a balance of homely comfort and peppery sophistication. Once you master this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, tailoring spice levels and ingredients to your mood. And every time, that warm burst of black pepper will remind you why you made it in the first place.
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Description
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe delivers a bold, aromatic stir-fry with tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a rich, glossy brown sauce, all elevated by the distinctive floral heat of black pepper. A Chinese-American takeout favorite, this dish is quick to make and packed with complex flavors. Perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying weeknight meal that beats any restaurant version!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
For the Sauce & Stir-Fry
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken strips with water, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon oil, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Rub into the chicken until liquid is absorbed. Let marinate for 10 minutes.This tenderizes the chicken and helps it retain moisture. -
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside. -
Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned. Remove from wok and set aside.Chicken will be about 80% cooked. -
Stir-Fry Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and onion, stir-frying for 20 seconds until fragrant. Pour Shaoxing wine around the edge of the wok and stir. -
Cook Vegetables
Add bell pepper and celery, along with 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until crisp-tender. -
Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits (deglaze). Bring to a simmer. -
Thicken and Finish
Stir the cornstarch slurry and drizzle into the sauce while stirring constantly. Simmer for 10–15 seconds until thickened to a gravy-like consistency. Return chicken and any juices to the wok. Stir-fry until chicken is fully cooked and coated in sauce.Adjust seasoning: add more dark soy for color, slurry for thickness, or stock for thinning. -
Serve
Serve immediately over steamed white or brown rice.Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 950mg40%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 24g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 32g64%
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 2.0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Black vs. White Pepper: While white pepper is common in Chinese cuisine, black pepper adds a floral, complex heat. Use freshly cracked for best flavor.
- Protein Swap: Easily substitute chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
- Veggie Variations: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for more texture.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is GF (or use a mushroom-based alternative).
- Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- No Wok? A large cast-iron or nonstick skillet works well for high-heat stir-frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-ground black pepper?
While you can, coarsely ground or freshly cracked black pepper provides a much more vibrant flavor and texture. Pre-ground can taste flat.
What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is the best substitute. Avoid vinegar, as it’s too acidic. You can omit it, but the depth of flavor will be reduced.
Why did my sauce turn out too thin or too thick?
If too thin, add more cornstarch slurry 1 teaspoon at a time. If too thick, thin with a splash of chicken stock or water. Always adjust at the end.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but stir-fry just before serving for best texture. You can prep the marinade and sauce up to a day ahead.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a warm, aromatic heat from the black pepper, but it's not traditionally 'spicy' like chili heat. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer more fire.