Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A Panda Express inspired recipe. Juicy, tender chicken bites in a savoury black pepper sauce. This homemade black pepper chicken is easy, only requires a few ingredients to make, and tastes as good as your favorite Chinese takeout or even better.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 gram or 1.1 lbs skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size cubes
  • 2 tablespoon peanut oil
  • Salt as required
  • 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 fresh red or green chili, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • For the sauce:
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoon water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: Whisk together the crushed black pepper, rice vinegar, soy sauces, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Coat chicken with 1 tablespoon of the sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and salt. Set aside while prepping vegetables.
  3. Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a hot pan. Cook chicken in a single layer until golden, then flip and brown the other side. Remove and set aside. Cook in batches if needed.
  4. Stir fry vegetables: In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add ginger, garlic, and chilies; sauté for 30 seconds. Add onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry over high heat until crisp-tender.
  5. Combine: Reduce heat to low. Re-whisk sauce and pour it into the pan. Simmer for 30 seconds. Add the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
  6. Serve: Turn off the heat, add freshly ground black pepper, toss well, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Prepare all ingredients in advance—stir-fries cook quickly!
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for bold flavor.
  • Don’t skip the marinating step—it makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.
  • Use the marinating time to prep the sauce and vegetables.
  • Always whisk the sauce again before adding to the pan; cornstarch settles quickly.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese