Black Pepper Chicken – Panlasang Pinoy

A flavorful chicken stir fry made with juicy chicken breast, bell peppers, and celery in a rich savory black pepper sauce. This quick and easy dish delivers comforting spice and a restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Black Pepper Chicken is one of my favorite stir fry dishes to make on busy days. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a peppery sauce creates a perfect balance of flavor that reminds me of those quick wok-cooked meals back in the Philippines. Every bite has the right mix of sweetness and saltiness.

 

If you enjoy simple but bold dishes, you’ll also love the Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein — another quick meal that combines noodles, savory sauce and crisp vegetables.

What is Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a savory stir fry dish made with sliced chicken breast cooked with bell peppers, onion, and celery in a sauce rich with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. The result is a glossy, thick sauce that clings perfectly to each piece of chicken.

It’s a dish that many Filipino families enjoy because it’s both simple and flavorful. The pepper adds warmth without being too spicy, and the sauce has a deep umami taste that pairs perfectly with rice. Cooking this at home is quick and satisfying, especially if you prepare everything before you start.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

• Boneless chicken breast – lean meat that cooks fast and stays tender
• Onion – adds sweetness and aroma
• Celery – gives a refreshing crunch
• Green onion – adds brightness and mild sharpness
• Red bell pepper – adds sweetness and vibrant color
• Green bell pepper – brings a hint of bitterness for flavor balance
• Chicken broth – forms the base of the sauce
• Oyster sauce – enhances flavor with umami depth
• Soy sauce – adds saltiness and savoriness
• Dark soy sauce – deepens color and adds body to the sauce
• Garlic powder – gives a mild garlicky note
• Ground black pepper – provides that signature bold spice
• Sesame oil – adds nutty aroma at the end
• Sugar – balances out the saltiness and spice
• Cornstarch – thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency
• Water – mixed with cornstarch to create slurry
• Cooking oil – used for sautéing

Marinade ingredients:

• Oyster sauce – adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken
• Cornstarch – keeps chicken juicy when cooked
• Ground black pepper – lightly seasons the meat before cooking

1. Marinate the chicken
   Combine chicken with oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well and marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken
   Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok over medium heat. Sauté the marinated chicken for 3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables
   Add the remaining oil and sauté onion, celery, white part of the green onion, and both bell peppers for 1 minute.
4. Make the sauce
   Pour in the chicken broth and let it boil. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir and season with garlic powder, sugar, and ground black pepper.
5. Thicken the sauce
   Mix cornstarch and water to make slurry. Add it to the pan along with sesame oil. Stir gently until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine everything
   Return the sautéed chicken and green part of the green onion. Toss until everything is well coated with sauce. Serve hot with rice.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Black Pepper Chicken tastes amazing with hot steamed rice. The sauce coats every grain perfectly, making it satisfying on its own. For a fuller meal, serve it with a light soup or vegetable side dish.

For a delicious pairing, try it with Egg Drop Soup — a light and comforting soup that balances the richness of the pepper sauce.

How This Black Pepper Chicken Stands Out

This version stands out for its well-balanced flavor and glossy sauce that’s thick but not heavy. The oyster sauce and soy sauce bring savory depth, while the sugar and sesame oil smooth out the sharpness of the pepper. Every bite feels like comfort food with a little kick.

It’s the perfect dish for anyone craving something quick, easy, and flavorful without needing complicated ingredients.

• Replace chicken breast with chicken thigh for a juicier texture.
• Add mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for variety.
• Make it vegetarian by using tofu and vegetable broth.
• Adjust the amount of black pepper depending on how bold you want it.
• Add chili flakes for a spicier version.

Storage and Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat and add a little water to loosen the sauce.
• Avoid freezing to maintain the crisp texture of vegetables.

What to Have with It

• Can I use chicken thigh instead of breast? Yes, chicken thigh adds more flavor and stays juicier after cooking.
• What if I don’t have oyster sauce? You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar as a substitute.
• Can I make this less salty? Use low-sodium soy sauce or add more sugar to balance the flavors.
• Is this dish spicy? It has a mild heat from the black pepper, but you can increase it by adding chili flakes.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, just make sure your wok is large enough to avoid overcrowding and adjust the sauce proportionally.

Black Pepper Chicken proves that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. The aroma of black pepper and sesame oil always makes me look forward to dinner whenever I cook this dish. It’s fast, delicious, and feels like a treat every single time.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy it with your family. You might just add it to your list of go to stir fries at home.