Black Pepper Chicken

An easy black pepper chicken dish brings the zing of black pepper and the savory taste of tender chicken together in a quick, delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delightful homemade takeout experience, this recipe is sure to impress. With its juicy chicken and crisp vegetables slathered in a rich sauce, Black Pepper Chicken offers vibrant flavors that cater to various palates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful: The combination of black pepper and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience every time.
• Versatile: Perfect for serving with rice, noodles, or on its own; this dish adapts to your cravings.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, this recipe supports a balanced diet while satisfying your taste buds.
• Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily modify the recipe to fit gluten-free diets without losing flavor.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and prepare your ingredients. Having everything ready will make it easier to whip up this delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized bowl
• Small bowl
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking chicken evenly while allowing you to incorporate all ingredients easily.
• Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken, ensuring it absorbs all the flavors perfectly.
• Spatula: Helps in flipping the chicken and mixing ingredients without damaging them.

Ingredients

For this delicious Black Pepper Chicken, you will need:

• 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 apple vinegar (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing apple vinegar (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 (I used mixed colors)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing apple vinegar, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is coated with a thin layer of the mixture. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken. Immediately spread it into a single layer using a spatula with as little overlap as possible. Sear for about 1 minute or until lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir occasionally until both sides are browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add minced ginger and garlic; stir until fragrant. Then add white onion and bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 20 seconds.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Combine

Stir the prepared sauce mixture until cornstarch has dissolved completely. Pour it into the skillet immediately after stirring, cooking until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon—just a few seconds. Return cooked chicken back into the skillet and quickly stir to coat everything with sauce before turning off heat. Remove from stove immediately to prevent further cooking.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer everything onto a big plate so it doesn’t keep cooking in the hot skillet. Serve hot as a main dish!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Serving black pepper chicken is a great way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides, enhancing its flavors and making it a complete meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white rice is a classic choice that absorbs the savory black pepper sauce beautifully.

Over Noodles

• Serve the chicken over cooked noodles for a hearty meal. Choose egg noodles or rice noodles for an authentic touch.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pairing black pepper chicken with stir-fried vegetables adds color and nutrition, creating a balanced plate.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken in crispy lettuce leaves for fresh, crunchy bites.

As Part of a Chinese Feast

• Include this dish in a larger spread of Chinese dishes like dumplings or spring rolls for a satisfying dinner party.

How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

To achieve the best black pepper chicken, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is full of flavor and cooked to perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic enhance the aroma and taste of your black pepper chicken significantly.

• Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to absorb all the flavors from the soy sauce and vinegar.

• Control Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures that the chicken browns nicely without overcooking, keeping it juicy inside.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing in batches helps achieve that perfect caramelization instead of steaming the meat.

• Thicken Sauce Appropriately: Make sure to stir continuously when adding the sauce to avoid lumps from cornstarch clumping.

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Complementing your black pepper chicken with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and proteins, fried rice pairs perfectly with black pepper chicken.

2. Egg Drop Soup: This light soup can serve as an excellent starter before diving into your main dish.

3. Sesame Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli tossed in sesame oil adds crunch and nutrition alongside your meal.

4. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make for an enjoyable appetizer or side dish.

5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing provides a cool contrast to the savory chicken.

6. Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables provide a hearty base that complements the flavors of black pepper chicken wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking black pepper chicken can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken is essential for flavor. Always allow at least 10-15 minutes for the marinade to soak in.

• Not using enough oil: Using insufficient oil may lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Ensure you have enough oil to properly sear the chicken.

• Overcrowding the pan: When cooking chicken, avoid overcrowding as it leads to steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches if necessary for better results.

• Ignoring the sauce consistency: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken. Stir well and monitor as it cooks to achieve this texture.

• Using too much salt: Since soy sauce is salty, be cautious with additional salt. Taste before adding more to avoid over-salting your dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making black pepper chicken.

What is Black Pepper Chicken?

Black pepper chicken is a savory stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a rich black pepper sauce, often accompanied by fresh vegetables.

How can I make Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute tamari for soy sauce and dry sherry for Shaoxing apple vinegar.

Can I add other vegetables to Black Pepper Chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for additional flavor and nutrition.

What should I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?

This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal that satisfies your cravings.

Final Thoughts

Black pepper chicken is not only quick and easy but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something special, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. Give it a try and discover how satisfying homemade stir-fry can be!