Black pepper chicken is a Chinese American dish that highlights the robust flavor of black pepper, combined with tender chicken pieces and colorful vegetables. Unlike traditional Chinese recipes that often use white pepper, this dish embraces the floral and complex notes of black pepper, making it a standout choice for spice lovers.

To make a mouthwatering black pepper chicken, you'll need the following ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and celery add crunch and flavor.
Black Pepper Sauce: A blend of freshly ground black pepper, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), fruit jam (like peach or apricot), and chicken broth to create a rich and savory sauce.

Here's a simple yet flavorful recipe for black pepper chicken that you can easily prepare at home.

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
¼ tsp coarse sea salt
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp garlic powder

For the Vegetables:

1 medium red bell pepper, diced
6 oz celery stalks, sliced diagonally
3.5 oz yellow onion, diced

For the Black Pepper Sauce:

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1.5 tbsp fruit jam (peach, apricot, or orange)
1.5 tbsp coconut aminos
2 tbsp chicken stock

Other:

¼ cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
¼ cup tapioca starch (or cornstarch)

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with coconut aminos, salt, baking soda, and garlic powder. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, fruit jam, coconut aminos, and chicken stock. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the marinated chicken with tapioca starch and add it to the hot oil. Fry the chicken in a single layer until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper, celery, and onion. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.

Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the black pepper sauce. Toss everything together and cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

Serve: Transfer the black pepper chicken to a serving dish and enjoy it hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For the best flavor, always use freshly ground black pepper instead of pre-ground varieties.
Make it Healthier: If you're looking to reduce fat, consider stir-frying the chicken instead of frying it.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce by varying the amount of fruit jam and black pepper to suit your taste.

This black pepper chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to any buffet spread, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a meal for yourself, this dish is sure to impress. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality black pepper chicken right in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor this delicious dish!