I love a quick and flavorful dinner, and black pepper chicken recipes are always a winner in my kitchen. Today, I’m sharing two easy ways to make this popular dish that I know you will enjoy. They both bring that great peppery kick but with their own simple touches.
Whether you like it plain and simple or with the addition of earthy mushrooms, these easy black pepper chicken meals are perfect for busy weeknights. I’ve put together clear steps and helpful tips so you can make them perfectly every time.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Quick Meals
- 2. Easy Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms, Simple Weeknight Meal
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Quick Meals
This classic black pepper chicken is simple to make and full of flavor. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner that comes together fast.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Black Pepper Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay tender and juicy. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer, but don’t overcook it.
- Fresh Black Pepper: Using freshly ground black pepper makes a big difference in the taste. It gives a strong, warm kick to the dish.
- Cornstarch Slurry: This helps to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken evenly. Mix it well before adding to avoid lumps.
What You Need for Black Pepper Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (plus 1 tsp for marinade)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more for marinade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (plus 1 tsp for marinade)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes to marinate.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly soft. Take them out of the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Chicken
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Cook the marinated chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Push the chicken to one side of the pan.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the empty space in the pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture (2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, and 1 teaspoon black pepper). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until it is well coated. Serve your easy black pepper chicken hot, ideally with steamed rice.
📝 Final Note
This dish is best served immediately for the freshest taste. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Easy Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms, Simple Weeknight Meal
Add earthy mushrooms to your black pepper chicken for an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is simple and satisfying for any night.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
- Mushroom Variety: Cremini (baby bella) or shiitake mushrooms work great here. They hold their shape and add a nice texture to the dish.
- Searing Chicken: Make sure to sear the chicken well to get a good browned crust before adding other ingredients. This adds depth to the taste of your meal.
- Ginger Freshness: A little fresh grated ginger in the sauce brightens up the whole dish. Don’t skip it if you can help it for the best flavor.
What You Need for Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (plus 1 tsp for marinade)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more for marinade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (plus 1 tsp for marinade)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Marinade
Slice the chicken thinly. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you get your other ingredients ready.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they release their water and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked mushrooms from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Chicken
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Cook the marinated chicken in batches if needed, until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Set the cooked chicken aside with the mushrooms.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until you can smell them. Pour in the chicken broth, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1.5 teaspoons black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Thicken and Combine
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. It will thicken up quickly. Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Toss everything to coat it well with the sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir in the chopped green onions just before serving. Enjoy your black pepper chicken with mushrooms over hot rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
📝 Final Note
For extra crispness on your chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when you are cooking it. Cook in smaller batches if necessary.