Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Unleashing a culinary adventure, this black pepper chicken recipe promises a flavor explosion that dances across your taste buds.

Fragrant spices mingle with tender meat, creating an irresistible symphony of taste.

Juicy chicken pieces become the canvas for a bold pepper-infused masterpiece.

Warmth radiates from each bite, telling a story of comfort and excitement.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Aromas will fill your home, beckoning everyone to the table with anticipation.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this spicy, savory sensation that redefines home cooking.

Why Black Pepper Chicken Is A Bold Favorite

• Boost Flavor Fast: Dive into a spice-packed chicken dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a taste explosion with minimal effort.
• Simplify Cooking Techniques: Master restaurant-quality searing and glazing methods that create a golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels or swapping ingredients to match personal preferences or pantry availability.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying and flavorful dinner solution.

What You’ll Need For Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: A lean meat that serves as the main protein source and provides a tender, juicy base for the dish.

• Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: A robust spice blend that creates a complex, savory flavor profile and enhances the chicken's natural taste.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevents sticking.
• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil: A combination of umami-rich liquids that add depth, tanginess, and a glossy finish to the chicken.
• Minced Garlic: A pungent aromatic that adds a rich, intense flavor to the dish.

• Green Onions: A fresh, crisp topping that provides a mild onion flavor and bright visual appeal.

How To Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Trim away any extra fat from the chicken and slice into neat, bite-sized chunks. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and looks picture-perfect on the plate.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Ground black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Blend these spices thoroughly to create a mouthwatering seasoning mix.

Step 3: Coat with Flavor Magic

Generously massage the spice blend into every chicken piece. Make sure each morsel is completely covered for maximum taste impact.

Step 4: Heat the Cooking Surface

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Crank the heat to medium-high and wait until the oil shimmers and looks almost smoky.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Gently place chicken pieces into the hot oil. Allow each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan – give the chicken space to dance and crisp up.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Stir the chicken occasionally, ensuring even browning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden color.

Step 7: Introduce Garlic Punch

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and takes on a light golden hue.

Step 8: Glaze with Flavor

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Toss quickly to create a glossy, irresistible coating that will make taste buds dance.

Step 9: Rest and Absorb

Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a minute. This allows the final layer of seasonings to sink deep into the meat.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and a crisp, fresh finish. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips To Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

• Trim Chicken Perfectly: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven textures.
• Boost Seasoning Power: Mix spices thoroughly in a large bowl to create a robust, even coating that maximizes flavor penetration for each chicken piece.
• Sear for Golden Crunch: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juiciness and develops deep, caramelized flavors.
• Balance Sauce Technique: Drizzle soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil quickly while tossing to create a glossy, well-distributed glaze that coats every chicken piece with balanced, umami-rich taste.

Spicy Twists On Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace paprika with chili powder and add cayenne pepper for a zesty, heat-packed version that brings southwestern flair to the dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap out black pepper and paprika for dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken: Eliminate onion powder and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to create a keto-friendly option that maintains rich, savory notes while keeping carbohydrates minimal.
• Gluten-Free Asian Chicken: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free, providing a safe alternative for those with gluten sensitivities while preserving the authentic Asian-inspired taste.

Perfect Pairings For Black Pepper Chicken

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the rich, savory chicken flavors and complements the garlic and soy sauce.
• Match with Refreshing Beer: Light lager or wheat beer provides a clean, crisp contrast to the seasoned chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Create Asian-Inspired Rice Side: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the delicious pan sauce and adds a neutral, soft texture to balance the bold chicken seasonings.
• Enhance with Bright Salad: Crunchy cucumber and carrot slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil mirrors the dish's Asian-inspired flavor profile and adds fresh, tangy notes.

How To Store Black Pepper Chicken Well

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Prevent freezer burn by using airtight packaging.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Black Pepper Chicken FAQs

• Why should I cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces?

Cutting chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking, prevents some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked, and helps create consistent texture and flavor throughout the dish.

• How do I know when the oil is hot enough for cooking?

The oil is ready when it shimmers and looks almost smoking, which typically takes 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat. You can also test by dropping a small piece of chicken into the oil – it should sizzle immediately upon contact.

• What's the purpose of searing the chicken at high heat?

Searing at high heat creates a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture, develops deeper flavor through caramelization, and gives the chicken an appealing exterior texture with a rich, complex taste profile.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken delivers a bold culinary journey through savory flavors and aromatic spices. Delightful seasonings and tender meat promise a satisfying meal that brings authentic kitchen excitement directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 tsp (10 g) freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 g) salt
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) paprika

Aromatics and Garnish

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat and cutting into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a large mixing bowl.
3. Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously seasoned.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is nearly smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to sear and develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan.
6. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to promote uniform browning and prevent sticking.
7. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
8. Drizzle soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over the chicken, quickly tossing to coat and create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
9. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a minute to absorb the final layer of seasonings.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and mild, crisp flavor before serving hot.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor compared to chicken breasts.
• Toast whole black peppercorns before grinding to intensify their aromatic, spicy profile and create more complex taste notes.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing black pepper quantity, making the dish adaptable for sensitive palates or heat lovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg