Black Pepper Chicken – Better Than Takeout & Perfect for Lazy Dinners

There’s something timeless about black pepper chicken. It’s bold without being overpowering, savory without being heavy, and comforting in a way that feels familiar and dependable. Traditionally, this dish comes from Chinese home-style cooking, where balance and simplicity are key. The heat doesn’t come from chilies or sauces—it comes from freshly cracked black pepper, toasted just enough to release its warmth and aroma.

What makes this recipe perfect for lazy dinners is how forgiving it is. You don’t need perfect knife skills, fancy equipment, or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything happens in one pan, in under 30 minutes, and the result is a glossy, peppery chicken dish that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. It’s the kind of meal you’ll start making “just this once,” only to realize it’s become part of your weekly rotation.

This homemade version is also lighter and fresher than takeout. You control the oil, the salt, and the spice level, making it just right for your taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this black pepper chicken delivers comfort, flavor, and ease—exactly what a lazy dinner should do. Let’s get started.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (add more to taste)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This quick marinade helps tenderize the meat and gives it that velvety, takeout-style texture.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), chicken broth, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside. Having the sauce ready makes the cooking process fast and stress-free.
3. Sear the Chicken
   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes without stirring too much, allowing it to brown slightly. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
   Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp. This keeps the dish fresh and colorful.
5. Add the Aromatics
   Stir in the minced garlic and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The black pepper should bloom in the oil, releasing its signature warmth. 🌶️
6. Bring Everything Together
   Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Give everything a quick toss to combine.
7. Add the Sauce
   Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables in a glossy, savory glaze.
8. Taste and Adjust
   Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more black pepper for heat, a splash of water if the sauce is too thick, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
9. Serve Hot
   Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum comfort. 😍

Nutritional Information

This black pepper chicken is a great example of how homemade meals can be both comforting and balanced. The chicken provides lean protein, the vegetables add fiber and nutrients, and the sauce brings everything together without being overly heavy. Because it’s stir-fried quickly, the ingredients retain their flavor and texture. You can easily make this dish lighter by using chicken breast, reducing oil slightly, or adding more vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~390 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!