Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Dinner You'll Crave!

If you’re in the mood for a dinner that’s both bold and delicious, look no further than this Zesty Black Pepper Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, peppery sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavors: The black pepper adds just the right amount of heat, balanced by a savory sauce that coats each bite of chicken.
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with your favorite veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon black pepper, coarsely ground
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, and half of the black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the sliced onion and bell pepper until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, honey (if using), chicken broth, and the rest of the black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to thicken slightly.

Combine & Cook: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve & Garnish: Serve the Zesty Black Pepper Chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Tips for the Perfect Black Pepper Chicken
Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the amount of black pepper.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and broccoli.
Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, top the dish with toasted cashews or peanuts.
Pairing Suggestions
Rice or Noodles: Serve the chicken over jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Side Dish: A side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas would complement the flavors perfectly.
Drink: A cold, crisp beer or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the peppery flavors of this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Zesty Black Pepper Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of bold flavors and satisfying textures that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Quick to prepare and full of punchy flavors, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something delicious and different. Try it tonight, and get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!

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