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–+ servings
lemon black pepper chicken

Black Pepper Chicken

Emma
This Chinese-style Black Pepper Chicken is bursting with bold, spicy flavor and far better than takeout. With tender marinated chicken, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a punchy homemade black pepper sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make on repeat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Black Pepper Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water slurry

Aromatics:

  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger minced
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 2 tbsp oil for cooking

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • Combine chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix the black pepper, oyster sauce, soy sauces, sugar, and chicken stock. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

  • In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and onions for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine and Finish

  • Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the black pepper sauce. Let it simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken. Toss everything well to coat.

Serve

  • Turn off heat, garnish with green onions, and serve hot over steamed rice.

Notes

Use freshly cracked black pepper for authentic flavor.
Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
Add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas at the end for a nutrition boost.
Make it spicier by adding white pepper or chili flakes.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Black Pepper Chicken
Amount per Serving
Calories
280
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
14
g
22
%
Cholesterol
 
85
mg
28
%
Sodium
 
950
mg
41
%
Potassium
 
410
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
 
12
g
4
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
26
g
52
%
Vitamin A
 
90
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
 
25
mg
3
%
Iron
 
1.3
mg
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword black pepper chicken, Chinese chicken recipe, panda express copycat, spicy chicken stir fry, takeout style chicken
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