Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Delight

Black Pepper Chicken is a delightful dish that packs a punch with its savory flavors and bold spices. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, making it an ideal choice for families looking to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to whip up Black Pepper Chicken in your kitchen. Firstly, it’s a dish that combines tender chicken with a vibrant mix of vegetables, creating a healthy yet satisfying meal. The black pepper shines in this recipe, giving it a distinct kick that elevates the flavors. Additionally, this recipe is quick to prepare, making it suitable for busy individuals or families. You’ll not only please your taste buds but also savor the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4" (5-mm) thick pieces
1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 white onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)

Directions:

Combine the chicken, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Mix gently and marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 1 minute. Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, ginger, and garlic to the skillet. Stir until fragrant, then add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 20 seconds.
Stir the sauce mixture until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Pour it into the skillet, stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir quickly to coat everything in the sauce. Turn off the heat and transfer everything to a plate.
Serve hot over steamed rice or stir-fried noodles, garnished with extra black pepper or green onions.

Pro Tips for Success Black Pepper Chicken

Slice Chicken Thinly: Cutting the chicken against the grain into thin slices allows for more tenderness and quicker cooking.
Marinating Time: Ensure you’re marinating the chicken adequately; even a short marinade helps lock in flavors.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in flavor, so avoid pre-minced options if possible.
Adjust the Spice: If you love heat, feel free to add more black pepper or even some crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up.
Cornstarch for Crisper Chicken: Cornstarch coats the chicken nicely, contributing to a wonderful texture. Don’t skip this step.
Cook in Batches: If you have a crowded skillet, consider cooking the chicken in batches for even browning.

Flavor Variations Black Pepper Chicken

Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Change the Protein: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
Spicy Version: For a spicier kick, add Szechuan peppercorns or sliced chili peppers to the mix.
Sweet and Savory Twist: Mix some pineapple chunks into the stir-fry for a sweet contrast to the savory black pepper.
Herbs for Freshness: Top the dish with fresh cilantro or green onions just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few tasty suggestions:

Steamed Rice: The classic pairing; steam some jasmine or basmati rice for a delicious base.
Stir-Fried Noodles: Enjoy it over your favorite stir-fried noodles, adding a bit of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Vegetable Fried Rice: For a complete meal, serve it with vegetable fried rice to add more texture and taste.
Salad: Serve a light Asian-style salad on the side to balance the flavors and add a fresh crunch.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Black Pepper Chicken

To ensure you can enjoy this dish again, here’s how to store it:

Refrigeration: Store leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help revive the sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

| Nutrients | Amount |
|———–|——–|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 700mg |

FAQ About Black Pepper Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative and tend to be more moist than chicken breasts. They work perfectly in this recipe and add a richer taste.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! To make Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Make sure to check any other ingredients that may contain gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, to make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based meal.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spiciness in Black Pepper Chicken mainly comes from the coarsely ground black pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of black pepper to suit your taste.

What can I serve with this dish?

Black Pepper Chicken tastes great over steamed rice or stir-fried noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a healthier meal.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken is not only a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also a simple and satisfying meal to prepare at home. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious dish to impress friends, Black Pepper Chicken fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy the wonderful aromas and vibrant colors as you bring this dish to your table, and watch as it quickly becomes a go-to recipe in your cooking repertoire.

Black Pepper Chicken

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Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: None

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Description

A flavorful and spicy dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a savory sauce and stir-fried with vibrant vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4″ (5-mm) thick pieces
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 white onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)

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Instructions

Combine the chicken, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Mix gently and marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 1 minute. Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, ginger, and garlic to the skillet. Stir until fragrant, then add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 20 seconds.
Stir the sauce mixture until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Pour it into the skillet, stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir quickly to coat everything in the sauce. Turn off the heat and transfer everything to a plate.
Serve hot over steamed rice or stir-fried noodles, garnished with extra black pepper or green onions.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and adjust the spice level to your preference. Marinate the chicken for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Chinese