Name: black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (Thighs tend to be juicier); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons corn starch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (Adjust to taste for milder or spicier dish); 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 green onions, sliced for garnish; Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been on the lookout for a dish that really delivers a punch of flavor with wonderfully satisfying texture, then this black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine bite-sized pieces of perfectly cooked chicken, marinated to infuse every morsel with savory goodness, then stir-fried with crisp vegetables and a fresh hit of black pepper that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a dish that balances bold flavors with a comforting, home-cooked feel. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe hits all the right notes—juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and that distinctive black pepper kick make it simply unforgettable.

black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how uncomplicated the ingredients are, yet each plays a crucial role. From tender chicken pieces to the freshness of vegetables and the deep umami notes of sauces, every element contributes to making this dish vibrant and delicious.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs are ideal for extra juiciness but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: This provides the essential salty, savory base flavor that brings all the ingredients together.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a rich depth and subtle sweetness to enhance the chicken’s taste.
2 tablespoons corn starch: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for a nice texture and holds in moisture.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying and lending a clean, neutral taste.
1 medium onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the dish that unmistakable punch of flavor that melds beautifully with black pepper.
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper: The star of the show, freshly ground provides the bold, fragrant heat essential to this dish.
1 bell pepper, sliced: Provides crunch and a hint of natural sweetness, plus a pop of color.
1 cup broccoli florets: Offers a fresh, vibrant texture and earthy flavor to balance the chicken.
2 green onions, sliced for garnish: Adds a final fresh, mild onion note and looks fantastic on top.
Cooked rice or noodles: Essential as the perfect base to soak up all those fantastic flavors.

How to Make black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first, toss those bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and corn starch. This simple marinade works wonders, infusing the chicken with umami-rich seasoning while the corn starch lightly coats each piece, helping to lock in juices and provide a silky texture once cooked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—this step is key for that juicy tenderness we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Next, heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a wok or large skillet—high heat is important here to get that nice sear quickly without overcooking. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to see a beautiful golden color on the outside while ensuring they’re cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest for a moment; this prevents overcooking and keeps them tender.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in the sliced onions and minced garlic. The residual oil will carry all the flavors nicely, and a quick 2-minute sauté will soften the onion and release the garlicky fragrance you love. Then add the bell pepper slices and broccoli florets. These vibrant veggies don’t need long—just 3 to 4 minutes to stay crisp and maintain that garden-fresh taste and texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with Black Pepper

Now it’s time to reunite the chicken with those fresh veggies in the pan. Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper generously over everything, stirring well to coat each piece evenly. Cooking for an extra 2 minutes allows the pepper’s bold aroma and spiciness to infuse the dish beautifully. This is where the magic happens—black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken really comes alive at this stage.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

Your black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken is now ready to be enjoyed. Remove from heat and prepare for plating over steamed rice or your favorite noodles.

How to Serve black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh sliced green onions bring an additional layer of mild oniony freshness and a bright green pop that’s visually inviting. You could also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few sprigs of cilantro for a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with plain steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice to soak up every bit of the sauce. For a lighter or low-carb option, try it alongside cauliflower rice or serve it with noodles, such as egg noodles or even soba, for an Asian-inspired twist. A crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables also complement this bold dish perfectly by adding cool, refreshing contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken in lettuce wraps for a hand-held treat. Alternatively, pile it over a bed of stir-fried greens or toss it into a warm pita or flatbread with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a fusion-style meal. Presentation can be as simple or creative as you desire, and this dish’s vibrant colors make it naturally eye-catching.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining much of its juiciness and flavor if reheated gently. Be sure to cool it quickly and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze this black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken for up to 2 months. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ideally separating rice and chicken if possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid microwaving on high power as it can toughen the meat and dull the black pepper flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly here if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating and cooking quickly on high heat helps keep them juicy and tender.

How much black pepper should I use if I want a milder dish?

You can easily adjust the black pepper amount to your taste. Start with 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and add more gradually as you cook or at the table. The freshness of the pepper really makes a difference, so freshly ground is best for that vibrant flavor.

What other vegetables can I add to black pepper chicken?

The recipe is quite flexible—feel free to toss in snap peas, baby corn, carrots, or mushrooms. Just remember to add them according to their cooking times so everything remains crisp-tender and not mushy.

Is this dish spicy or just peppery?

It’s primarily peppery with a noticeable but pleasant bite from the black pepper. If you enjoy spicy food, you can boost the heat with chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies during cooking, but the classic version focuses on the warm pungency of black pepper.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and substitute the oyster sauce with a gluten-free version or a little extra soy sauce with a splash of mushroom sauce. The corn starch is naturally gluten-free and essential for the texture.

Final Thoughts

This black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken has all the qualities of a true crowd-pleaser: it’s packed full of flavor, simple to prepare, and beautifully balanced with fresh vegetables and bold seasoning. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish at home that never fails to impress. So go ahead, give it a whirl and enjoy every peppery, tender bite!

black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 16 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A flavorful and juicy Black Pepper Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces stir-fried with fresh vegetables and a bold black pepper sauce. Perfectly marinated chicken combined with crisp broccoli, bell peppers, and aromatic garlic makes for a savory, easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish served best over rice or noodles.

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and corn starch. Mix well to coat evenly and let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat the oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and soften slightly.
Cook vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets to the pan. Continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining their bright color and crunch.
Combine and season: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Sprinkle in the freshly ground black pepper and stir everything together thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve the black pepper chicken hot, over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

Using chicken thighs results in juicier meat, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
Adjust the amount of freshly ground black pepper to control the spice level.
Make sure to cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or your choice of noodles.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian