Easy Gluten-Free Black Pepper Chicken & Green Beans: A Quick & Allergy-Friendly Dinner

This incredible Black Pepper Chicken and Green Beans recipe features a thick, glossy black pepper glaze that perfectly coats every piece of tender chicken and crisp-tender green bean. It delivers just the right amount of warmth and spice for an easy, Asian-inspired dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes or less. This convenient one-pan meal truly has it all: protein, vibrant veggies, and a delicious sauce that utilizes one of the culinary world’s unsung heroes – simple black pepper. The rich, inviting color of the sauce not only looks appealing but also promises a flavor experience that will elevate your weeknight dinner. What’s more, this recipe for Gluten-Free Black Pepper Chicken & Green Beans is naturally free of common allergens like gluten/wheat, dairy, egg, peanut, and tree nut, with a readily available soy-free option, making it a truly inclusive and delightful meal for everyone at your table.

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Why This Gluten-Free Black Pepper Chicken & Green Beans Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Words often fall short when trying to capture the essence of this extraordinary black pepper sauce. Its complex flavor profile is a symphony of tastes: the invigorating bite of fresh black pepper and pungent ginger perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of brown sugar and the savory depth of gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari for those with specific dietary needs!). I’ve explored many Asian-inspired dishes on my site, but this particular Black Pepper Chicken recipe genuinely blew me away the very first time I prepared it. I confidently say there’s nothing else in my repertoire that boasts such a uniquely delicious and distinctive sauce. I adore how thick and luscious the sauce becomes, clinging to every succulent piece of chicken and every fresh green bean, ensuring each bite is drenched in glorious, aromatic Asian-inspired flavors. This vibrant dish turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience right in your kitchen.

The sheer convenience of this Asian-style dinner is another major win. The fact that you can prepare this entire meal in virtually one pan (excluding the rice, of course!) and have it on the table in under 30 minutes makes it an incredibly impressive yet effortless weeknight dinner. It’s a simple recipe that delivers an explosion of flavor, making it perfect for busy evenings without compromising on taste or quality. This quick Black Pepper Chicken recipe is not only fast but also deeply satisfying, offering a complete meal solution that saves time without sacrificing taste. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy Black Pepper Chicken and Green Beans is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Unlike some traditional Asian dishes that demand extensive marinating time for chicken to develop flavor and tenderness, this recipe is a spontaneous cook’s dream. There’s absolutely no marinating or advanced prep work required, meaning you can decide to make it just minutes before dinner and still achieve outstanding results. This flexibility is a huge bonus for anyone looking for quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meals without the fuss of elaborate planning. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave homemade goodness but are short on time.

Furthermore, for families like ours who navigate the complexities of multiple food allergies and gluten sensitivities, dining out at Chinese restaurants can be a significant challenge, often leading to cross-contamination worries or limited menu options. This homemade Black Pepper Chicken recipe offers a fantastic solution, allowing you to recreate a beloved restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort and safety of your own home. It’s a fantastic copycat recipe that brings authentic Asian flavors to your allergy-friendly kitchen, empowering you to enjoy your favorite cuisines without worry and ensuring peace of mind for everyone at the dinner table. This makes it a truly family-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Delicious Gluten-Free Black Pepper Chicken & Green Beans Recipe

To ensure your absolute success with this incredible Black Pepper Chicken dish, I’m going to address all the frequently asked questions that commonly arise. If you’re eager to jump straight to the cooking process, feel free to scroll down to the full recipe card below!

How Can I Make This Black Pepper Chicken & Green Beans Vegan?

Adapting this Black Pepper Chicken and Green Beans recipe for a vegan diet is incredibly simple and straightforward! The rich, savory black pepper sauce itself is inherently vegan, so you’re already halfway there. The only ingredient that needs a swap is the chicken. If you replace the chicken with firm or extra-firm cubed tofu, you’re golden! For the best possible results and texture, I highly recommend pressing your tofu first. This process removes excess water, which allows the tofu to absorb more of that amazing black pepper sauce and achieve a firmer, more satisfying “meaty” texture when cooked. Simply cube the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces and cook it in the same manner as the chicken, stir-frying until it’s nicely browned and heated through. This ensures a hearty, flavorful, and completely vegan Asian dinner that even meat-eaters will enjoy.

How Is This Black Pepper Chicken & Green Beans Gluten-Free?

One of the beauties of this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is its inherent simplicity and reliance on basic, wholesome ingredients, which naturally minimizes the risk of hidden gluten. All components are straightforward and easy to source as gluten-free. The only critical ingredient where gluten might traditionally be present is regular soy sauce, as many brands contain wheat. To ensure your dish is truly gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s essential to use a certified tamari soy sauce. Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that is almost always gluten-free (though always double-check the label for a “gluten-free certified” mark, especially if you have severe allergies). If gluten is not a concern for you or your diners, then feel free to use your preferred brand of regular soy sauce. This simple, yet crucial, swap makes the recipe accessible to a wide range of dietary needs without sacrificing any of the authentic Asian flavor you crave.

What Do I Serve with This Gluten-Free Black Pepper Chicken?

This Gluten-Free Black Pepper Chicken and Green Beans is a complete and satisfying meal in itself, offering a balanced combination of protein, vibrant vegetables, and a richly flavored sauce. However, it truly shines when served over a bed of fluffy, absorbent rice. Both brown rice and white rice are excellent choices, offering different textures and nutritional profiles to suit your preference. If you opt for brown rice, I highly recommend this method for making perfect brown rice in an Instant Pot, which yields consistently tender grains, but any cooking method you prefer will work beautifully. Jasmine rice is another popular and aromatic option that pairs wonderfully with Asian flavors, adding a subtle fragrance to your meal. Simply use whatever type of rice you have on hand or find most appealing. For those seeking a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute that maintains the meal’s structural integrity while significantly reducing carbohydrate content. Because this dish is so well-rounded and hearty, you genuinely don’t need many, if any, additional side dishes. Perhaps a simple, light cucumber salad or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. Keep it simple and let the main dish be the undisputed star of your quick Asian dinner!

Can I Use Chicken Thighs in This Black Pepper Chicken Instead?

Absolutely! While I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean protein and quick cooking time, this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. Feel free to use whatever cut of chicken best fits your personal preference or what you have available. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a popular choice as they tend to be more forgiving, stay moist even if slightly overcooked, and often offer a richer, deeper flavor profile due to their higher fat content. If you’re using thighs, make sure they are boneless and skinless for the best texture and to prevent excess grease from accumulating in your stir-fry. You could even experiment with other proteins like thinly sliced pork (tenderloin or lean shoulder cuts) or, as mentioned earlier, tofu for a fantastic vegan option. Regardless of your protein choice, it is crucial to ensure it is fully thawed and chopped into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This is vital for even cooking, especially when mixed with the green beans. You want the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F without the green beans becoming overly mushy or losing their vibrant color. I personally enjoy my green beans al dente, with a delightful slight snap (also known as crisp-tender), and cooking the protein in similarly sized pieces helps achieve this perfect balance. Avoid cuts with skin on or bones in, as they require significantly longer cooking times and can drastically alter the dish’s overall texture, flavor, and cooking method.

What Other Vegetables Can I Use Besides Green Beans?

The beauty of this Black Pepper Chicken recipe lies in its adaptability and flexibility, making it an excellent canvas for various vegetables. While fresh green beans provide a delightful crunch, vibrant color, and mild flavor, don’t feel limited to them! If fresh green beans aren’t accessible (canned green beans truly wouldn’t offer the same desired crisp-tender texture here) or simply aren’t your favorite, there are many delicious and equally suitable alternatives. Green bell peppers or red bell peppers, sliced thinly, would add a lovely sweetness, a subtle crunch, and vibrant color to the dish. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a vegetable that wouldn’t taste fantastic drenched in this incredibly flavorful black pepper sauce! For a more authentic Asian culinary touch, consider adding tender-crisp bok choy, delicate snow peas, or crunchy water chestnuts. This is a perfect opportunity to clean out your fridge and utilize whatever fresh produce you have on hand – broccoli florets, snap peas, thinly sliced carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, or even zucchini would all be excellent additions. Just remember that different vegetables have varying cooking times and desired textures. Keep a close eye on the pan and stir-fry them to ensure your chosen veggies reach your optimal tenderness, whether you prefer them crisp-tender or a bit softer to absorb more sauce. The goal is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

What Can You Use If You Can’t Use Cornstarch in the Black Pepper Chicken?

If you or someone you’re cooking for has a corn allergy or simply prefers to avoid corn products, rest assured that you can still enjoy this delicious Black Pepper Chicken recipe! Cornstarch, also known as corn flour in some regions, is primarily used as a thickening agent for the sauce. Its role is to give the sauce that desirable glossy, rich, and clingy consistency that perfectly coats the chicken and vegetables. If you need to avoid cornstarch, you have a couple of excellent options. You can simply omit it entirely. In this case, the sauce will be a bit thinner and runnier, but it will still be incredibly flavorful and delicious, just with a different mouthfeel. You might try simmering the sauce for a minute or two longer after adding it, to see if it naturally reduces and thickens to a consistency you find more appealing. Alternatively, a fantastic and widely accepted 1:1 substitute for cornstarch is arrowroot powder (sometimes called arrowroot starch or arrowroot flour). It thickens sauces similarly to cornstarch, creating a lovely clear glaze, and is a great corn-free option. Simply whisk the exact same amount of arrowroot powder into the cold water as you would cornstarch before adding it to the sauce mixture. This simple substitution ensures everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish without worry.

What if I Can’t Have Soy?

For those managing a soy allergy, enjoying delicious Asian-inspired meals can sometimes be a significant challenge, as soy sauce is a cornerstone of many recipes. However, this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is easily adaptable for a soy-free diet! The solution is simple, effective, and widely available: coconut aminos. Coconut aminos is a fantastic, savory condiment made from the sap of coconut palm trees. It is naturally gluten-free and soy-free, offering a remarkably similar umami flavor profile to soy sauce, making it an excellent 1:1 substitute in this recipe. Just swap the gluten-free soy sauce for an equal amount of coconut aminos in your sauce mixture, and you’ll achieve a delicious, soy-free black pepper sauce without compromising on taste, aroma, or overall dish quality. Always ensure the brand of coconut aminos you choose is certified soy-free if allergies are severe, and check for any other allergens that might be a concern. This simple swap ensures that this flavorful Asian dinner can be enjoyed by even more people with dietary restrictions.

Do I Need a Wok to Make This Recipe?

While a wok is a traditional and highly effective tool for stir-frying, known for its unique shape that allows for even heat distribution and provides a large cooking surface with relatively little oil, it is absolutely not essential for making this delicious Black Pepper Chicken recipe. You can achieve equally fantastic results using kitchen tools you likely already own! A large, deep skillet or a medium-sized saucepan with high sides will work just fine. The key is to have enough surface area to cook the chicken and vegetables without overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing, which prevents the ingredients from developing that desirable golden-brown crust and rich, caramelized flavor. A good quality, heavy-bottomed pan will conduct heat efficiently and allow everything to cook evenly, making your quick Asian dinner a success regardless of your cookware choice. So, don’t let the lack of a wok deter you from trying this amazing recipe!

What If This Black Pepper Chicken Is Too Spicy?

Black Pepper Chicken, by its very nature, is designed to have a noticeable and invigorating spicy kick, primarily from the generous amount of fresh black pepper. However, taste preferences, especially when it comes to spice levels, vary greatly from person to person. I consider myself quite sensitive to spice, and my children are even more so, which is why I often make adjustments to the amount of black pepper to make it more palatable for our family. If you’re unsure about your family’s spice tolerance or prefer a milder dish, I highly recommend starting with half the amount of black pepper specified in the recipe. You can always add more to taste once the sauce is combined and you’ve had a chance to sample it. Black pepper adds not just heat, but also a unique aromatic depth and complex flavor, so finding your perfect balance is key to truly enjoying this dish. Don’t hesitate to customize the spice level to suit your family’s heat tolerance – this recipe is meant to be enjoyed by everyone!

Do You Have Other Gluten-Free Asian-Inspired Dinners?

Absolutely, I do! Asian-inspired cuisine is incredibly flavorful and diverse, making it a “BOMB” in our kitchen. However, finding truly allergy-friendly Asian dishes, especially those that are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free (like we need due to my son’s multiple severe food allergies), can be a significant challenge when dining out or using conventional recipes. Beyond this family-favorite Black Pepper Chicken, my website proudly features over 200 allergy-friendly recipes meticulously developed to be safe and delicious. Every single one of them is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-nut free, offering a wide array of options for safe and enjoyable meals. I encourage you to explore the recipe index to discover a wealth of delicious options that cater to various dietary needs. Here are just a few of our other popular Asian-inspired dinners you might love:

• Gluten-Free Instant Pot Bacon Ramen Noodles: A quick, comforting, and deeply savory noodle dish, perfect for a cozy night in.
• Gluten & Dairy-Free Thai Coconut Noodle Soup: A rich, creamy, and incredibly aromatic soup bursting with vibrant Thai flavors.
• 30 Minute Gluten-Free Moo Goo Gai Pan: A classic Chinese-American dish made accessible, full of tender chicken and a colorful array of vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry: A vibrant, sweet, and savory stir-fry that’s highly customizable, great for using up fridge staples.
• Gluten-Free 30 Minute Korean Chicken & Broccoli: A quick and savory Korean-inspired dish with a delightful sauce, incredibly easy to whip up on a weeknight.
• Gluten, Dairy & Egg-Free Asian Quinoa Meatballs: A unique and healthy twist on classic meatballs, packed with flavorful Asian spices.
• Gluten-Free Lo Mein (Meat-Free!): A delightful vegetarian noodle dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and full of fresh vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Ham Fried Rice: A hearty and flavorful fried rice recipe, perfect for using up leftover ham and making a quick meal.
• Asian Spinach Pasta Salad: A refreshing and unique salad with a zesty Asian dressing twist, great as a side or light meal.

And don’t forget, I also have an Instant Pot cookbook that features 60 diverse recipes, including dinners, sides, soups, and desserts, all meticulously crafted to be allergy-friendly! It’s another great resource for making delicious meals accessible and easy for everyone in your family.

What Ingredients Are in This Gluten-Free Black Pepper Chicken?

This fantastic and easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe relies on a few simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have stocked in your pantry and refrigerator. The true beauty of this dish is in how these basic components come together to create a truly spectacular, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Main Ingredients for Your Flavorful Stir-Fry:

• Sesame Oil (or Canola Oil): Essential for sautéing and imparts a wonderful nutty aroma typical of authentic Asian cuisine. Use canola oil if you or your diners have sesame allergies to ensure it remains allergy-friendly.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. This ensures tender chicken that perfectly absorbs the sauce.
• Fresh Green Beans: These add a delightful crispness, vibrant color, and a fresh taste to the dish. They soften just enough to be tender-crisp. Feel free to use other vegetables of your choice (see suggestions above for variety!).
• Yellow or White Onion: Minced to provide a subtle aromatic base, natural sweetness, and an extra layer of flavor to the stir-fry.
• Cooked Rice, for Serving: The perfect accompaniment to soak up all that delicious, thick black pepper sauce, whether it’s white, brown, or jasmine rice.

The Star of the Show: The Rich and Flavorful Sauce Mixture:

• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): This forms the savory, umami-rich foundation of the sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free option, or use coconut aminos for a delicious soy-free alternative, ensuring the dish is accessible to all.
• Cold Water: Helps to thin the sauce to the right consistency initially and allows the cornstarch to dissolve smoothly, preventing lumps.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a crucial touch of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory notes of the soy sauce and the spicy kick of the black pepper.
• Black Pepper: The key ingredient that defines the dish! Freshly ground black pepper provides the signature heat, aromatic depth, and unique spice profile of this stir-fry. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Cornstarch (or Arrowroot Powder): Used as a thickening agent to create that desirable glossy, rich glaze that beautifully clings to every piece of chicken and vegetable, making the sauce truly irresistible.
• Ground Ginger: Contributes a warm, zesty, and aromatic punch that complements the black pepper exquisitely, enhancing the overall Asian flavor profile.

Gathering these simple yet powerful ingredients is the essential first step towards creating a truly memorable, quick, and allergy-friendly meal that will delight your taste buds!

Do I Have a Video Showing How to Make Black Pepper Chicken?

Yes, I do! To give you a clear visual guide and demonstrate just how incredibly easy and straightforward this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is to make, I’ve created a short and succinct video. I utilized TikTok for its quick and engaging format, which is perfect for providing a general overview before you dive into the cooking process. Watching this video will help you visualize each step, from preparing the ingredients and mixing the sauce to seeing the chicken and vegetables cook, and finally, watching the sauce thicken into that perfect, glossy glaze. It’s a fantastic way to build confidence and understand the flow of the recipe before you start cooking. Enjoy the quick walkthrough and see for yourself how effortless this delicious Asian dinner can be!

@allergyawesomenessA black pepper ##chickenrecipe that takes ##30minutesorless. Naturally ##glutenfree & ##dairyfree. ##allergyfriendly too!♬ original sound – Megan Lavin

 

Gluten-Free Black Pepper Chicken & Green Beans

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

A thick black pepper glaze sticks to every piece of chicken and green bean and gives just the right amount of heat for this easy Asian-style dinner. Done in 30 minutes or less, this includes your protein, veggie and carb. The unique heat and flavor of the sauce utilizes one of the unsung ingredient heros: simple black pepper. This recipe is also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free, with a soy-free option, making it a truly allergy-friendly quick meal!

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp sesame oil or canola oil (use canola for sesame allergies)
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces
• 1 and 1/2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 yellow or white onion, minced
• 10 Tbsp gluten-free tamari soy sauce (or use coconut aminos for a soy-free option, total is 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp)
• 1/8 cup cold water
• 2 and 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper (or adjust to your preferred spice level for more or less heat)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for corn allergies)
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• Brown or white rice for serving (e.g., jasmine rice, long-grain white rice)

Instructions

For a visual guide on how to make this delicious Black Pepper Chicken, please refer to the video embedded above the recipe card before you begin cooking.

1. Place the sesame oil (or canola oil if preferred) in a large sauce pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is heated and shimmering, add the minced onion, chopped fresh green beans, and bite-sized chicken pieces. Stir-fry, tossing occasionally.
2. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare your flavorful black pepper sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos), brown sugar, ground ginger, freshly ground black pepper, cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), and cold water. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch has completely dissolved, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Continue to cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F). At the same time, cook the green beans until they are crisp-tender, retaining a delightful slight bite.
4. Once the chicken and green beans are cooked to your liking, give the sauce another quick whisk, then pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the contents of the pan. Stir continuously to coat everything evenly.
5. Cook for several more minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce begins to thicken into a glossy, rich glaze that beautifully clings to the chicken and vegetables. This creates that desirable restaurant-quality texture.
6. Serve the sauced chicken and green beans immediately over a bed of warm brown or white rice, and enjoy your quick, delicious, and allergy-friendly Asian dinner!

Notes

Vegetable Variations: This recipe is very flexible! Feel free to substitute green beans with other vegetables you prefer or have on hand, such as sliced bell peppers (green or red), broccoli florets, snow peas, sliced mushrooms, or even bok choy. Adjust cooking times based on your chosen vegetable’s desired tenderness (crisp-tender is recommended for most stir-fries).

Vegan Option: To make this delicious recipe entirely vegan, simply swap the chicken for an equal amount (approximately 14-16 oz) of firm or extra-firm cubed tofu. For best texture, press the tofu before cooking to remove excess water, allowing it to absorb more flavor from the black pepper sauce.

Spice Level Adjustment: The amount of freshly ground black pepper can be adjusted to your personal taste. If you prefer a milder dish, start with half the recommended amount (1/4 Tbsp) and add more gradually after tasting the sauce. For extra heat, you can increase the pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Allergy Disclaimer: Our family’s food allergies, while severe, are managed by strictly adhering to product label information, and we re-test frequently. I do not contact companies regarding ingredient derivations or potential cross-contact. If your specific allergies require such detailed investigations or stringent cross-contamination protocols, please perform your own due diligence. I cannot guarantee the absolute safety of any commercial ingredient for all individuals; only you can determine what is safe for your specific needs and sensitivities. I simply share what works safely for our family.

Cross-Contamination Awareness: If you are preparing this meal for someone with food allergies and do not have food allergies yourself, I HIGHLY recommend having them verify every single brand and ingredient you are using to ensure their safety. Furthermore, please discuss with them proper methods and precautions to avoid cross-contamination in your kitchen during preparation and serving.

Adapted from: Short Girl Tall Order’s Black Pepper Tofu Green Beans

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 208Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 2203mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 6g

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