Name: Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into 1/4” pieces; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce); 1 tablespoon white grape juice or apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce); 2 tablespoons white grape juice or apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 white onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors recommended)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the comfort of stir-fried chicken with a savory, slightly spicy black pepper sauce that brings everything together in a mouthwatering way. The crispy vegetables and tender chicken soak up the rich sauce, making every bite incredibly flavorful. It’s quick to put together, making it a perfect weeknight meal, and the best part is that it tastes even better than your usual Chinese restaurant takeout! If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, this recipe is easily adaptable by switching a couple of ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces
1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon white grape juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
2 tablespoons white grape juice or apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Stir Fry:

2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 white onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors recommended)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken, soy sauce, white grape juice (or apple cider vinegar), and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, soy sauce, white grape juice (or apple cider vinegar), dark soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it into a single layer with minimal overlap. Sear the chicken for about 1 minute until the bottom is lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally until both sides are browned but still a little pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced ginger and garlic, stirring quickly until fragrant. Add the chopped white onion and bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 20 seconds until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the Sauce: Stir the sauce mixture again to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then pour it into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir immediately and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take just a few seconds.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove. Quickly transfer everything to a plate so the ingredients don’t continue to cook in the hot skillet.
Serve: Serve the Easy Black Pepper Chicken hot as a main dish. Enjoy with rice or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Make sure to cook it until crispy to replicate the texture of the chicken.
Spicy: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of black pepper or add a few slices of fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.
Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas to increase the nutritional content of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe as they are more flavorful and tend to stay tender and juicy. Just make sure to cook them through before adding the sauce.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews?

Yes! You can substitute cashews with other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts, but keep in mind that it may change the flavor and texture slightly.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To make the sauce thicker, you can add a little more cornstarch mixed with water. To make it thinner, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

The chicken and vegetables are best cooked fresh to preserve their texture. However, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save a few minutes during cooking.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you want more heat, try adding more coarsely ground black pepper or even some chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers to the stir fry.

Conclusion

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a perfect combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, all brought together with a rich black pepper sauce. It’s quick to prepare, full of fresh vegetables, and can be made gluten-free with just a few substitutions. Whether you serve it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps, this recipe offers a quick and nutritious dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste! Enjoy the bold flavors of this homemade takeout-style meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes!