Black Pepper Chicken Recipe – Bold, Savory, and Easy to Make

Black pepper chicken is a dish that’s full of flavor and fun to make at home.

It has juicy chicken pieces cooked with onions, garlic, and a peppery sauce that brings everything together.

The black pepper gives the dish a bold taste, but it’s not too spicy—just enough to make it exciting.

This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or even a weekend meal when you want something special but still simple.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make black pepper chicken.

Everything used in this recipe is easy to find, and the process is quick.

The chicken cooks fast, the sauce comes together in one pan, and the flavor is strong and satisfying.

It’s the kind of meal that’s great with steamed rice, fried rice, or even plain noodles.

Let’s get started with the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small pieces)
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• 1 small onion (sliced thin)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds rich flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1–1½ teaspoons ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, to thicken the sauce)
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked white rice or noodles (for serving)

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

Before you start cooking, it’s helpful to prepare all your ingredients.

Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

Slice the onion and mince the garlic.

If you’re using green onions for garnish, chop them too.

Also, mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper.

This makes it easier to add the sauce later without stopping to measure things while cooking.

Having everything ready before you turn on the stove makes the cooking smoother and more fun.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place a large pan or skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium.

Add the oil. Once it’s warm, add the chicken pieces to the pan.

Let the chicken cook for about 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir occasionally so all the pieces brown evenly.

As the chicken cooks, sprinkle in a little salt and pepper.

When the chicken starts to turn golden brown on the outside, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

It will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.

Now add the sliced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir the onion until it softens and turns a light golden color.

Then, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until it smells good.

Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

This step builds the flavor base for the sauce and gives the chicken that rich, savory taste that black pepper chicken is known for.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Black Pepper

Now pour in the sauce mixture you prepared earlier.

Stir well so the onion and garlic get coated in the sauce.

Let it bubble gently for a minute or two.

Then, add the ground black pepper.

If you like your food a little spicy, you can add more pepper here.

If you want it milder, start with one teaspoon and adjust later.

This sauce is what gives the dish its bold flavor, with a mix of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet tastes.

If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture now.

It will help the sauce stick to the chicken better.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Back to the Pan

Now it’s time to bring it all together.

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything so the chicken pieces are fully coated in the peppery sauce.

Let it simmer on low heat for about 4 to 5 more minutes.

This will finish cooking the chicken and allow the flavors to blend together.

Keep an eye on the sauce. If it starts to get too thick, add a splash of water.

If it looks too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your black pepper chicken is now ready to enjoy!

Turn off the heat and sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh, bright finish.

Serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice or with noodles on the side.

This dish also goes well with a small salad, stir-fried vegetables, or a bowl of soup if you’re making a full meal.

Why You’ll Love Black Pepper Chicken

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a meal that’s full of flavor without being too heavy.

The chicken stays juicy, the sauce is rich and peppery, and it comes together quickly in just one pan.

It’s also flexible—you can change it up with different vegetables, swap chicken for tofu, or adjust the sauce to be sweeter or spicier.

Kids and adults both enjoy this dish, and it’s a great way to make chicken exciting without using a lot of extra ingredients.

You can double the batch for meal prep or cook it fresh for a quick weeknight dinner.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.

It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place it in a pan with a splash of water and heat on low, or microwave it for 1 to 2 minutes.

The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so adding a bit of water or broth while reheating helps bring it back to the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

Black pepper chicken is bold, savory, and incredibly easy to make.

With just a few simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any mealtime.

Whether you’re new to cooking or just want something fast and delicious, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

So the next time you’re looking for a new chicken recipe, give this black pepper chicken a try.

You’ll love how easy it is—and how tasty it turns out every time.