Chinese stir-fried chicken with bold black pepper sauce
Black Pepper Chicken
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Black Pepper Chicken
Chinese stir-fried chicken with bold black pepper sauce
★4.6(25)
Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, peppery sauce with onions and bell peppers. A quick Chinese stir-fry where cracked black pepper takes center stage.
15m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Black pepper chicken is a Cantonese restaurant favorite that celebrates the aromatic heat of freshly cracked pepper. The velveting technique ensures impossibly tender chicken in every bite.
Chinese cooking techniques — high heat, quick movement, and precise timing — produce flavors that no other method can match. This recipe captures that magic.
This version of Black Pepper Chicken has been refined through testing to ensure consistently excellent results. The key to this dish is building flavor at every stage, from the initial sear to the final seasoning. Whether you are cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers reliable, deeply satisfying results that punch well above its effort level.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Velvet the chicken: toss cubed chicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 egg white, and a pinch of salt. Let sit 10 minutes.
- 2
Heat oil in a wok until smoking. Stir-fry chicken in batches until golden, about 2 minutes per batch. Set aside.
- 3
Add onion and bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry 2 minutes until slightly charred.
- 4
Return chicken. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and a splash of water. Toss for 1 minute.
- 5
Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Chicken thighsBeef sirloin, sliced
Makes black pepper beef, equally popular
Oyster sauceMushroom sauce
Vegetarian alternative with similar umami richness
ButterOlive oil or ghee
Olive oil adds a lighter, fruitier flavor. Ghee provides a similar richness to butter and works well for high-heat cooking.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Crack your own peppercorns with a mortar and pestle for the freshest, most aromatic flavor.
Velveting is optional but transforms the texture of the chicken from ordinary to restaurant-quality.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: We tested this with both bone-in and boneless cuts and both work well. Bone-in takes a bit longer but rewards you with richer, more flavorful results.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (85mg) · 4 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat16g
Fiber680mg
Sugar2g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is velveting?
- A Chinese technique of coating protein in cornstarch and egg white before cooking to keep it tender.
- Can I use white pepper?
- White pepper gives a sharper, more pungent heat; use half the amount.
- What should I serve with this?
- This pairs well with steamed rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or buttered egg noodles make excellent accompaniments that complement without competing.
- Can I double this recipe?
- Absolutely. Double all ingredients and use a larger pan or pot to ensure even cooking. Cooking time may increase by 10 to 15 minutes for a larger batch. Season to taste at the end since spice levels do not always scale linearly.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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