Black Pepper Chicken Dish is a delightful culinary creation that tantalizes the taste buds with its bold flavors and aromatic spices. As I embarked on my journey to perfect this recipe, I discovered that this dish has roots in various Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese and Indian cooking, where black pepper is celebrated for its ability to elevate the simplest of ingredients. The rich history of black pepper as a prized spice dates back centuries, making it a staple in kitchens around the world.
What I love most about the Black Pepper Chicken Dish is its perfect balance of heat and savory goodness. The tender chicken, coated in a luscious black pepper sauce, creates a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Not only is this dish incredibly flavorful, but it is also convenient to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Join me as we explore this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a beloved addition to your dining table!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Preparing the Chicken
1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. This will help tenderize the chicken and give it a nice coating. Mix well to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. 2. While the chicken is marinating, slice the onion and bell pepper into thin strips. Mince the garlic and ginger, and set them aside. This will help everything cook quickly and evenly.Cooking Process
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil. Swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan. 4. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until its golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. 5. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. You want them to retain some crunch, so dont overcook them. 6. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The aroma will be amazing! 7. Now, its time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine. 8. In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. 9. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and create a delicious sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it up.Assembling the Dish
10. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more black pepper for extra heat or a pinch of salt if needed. 11. Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the black pepper chicken over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad. 12. For a finishing touch, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.Serving Suggestions
13. I love to serve this black pepper chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas. The crunch of the vegetables complements the tender chicken perfectly. You can also add a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor. 14. If youre feeling adventurous, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture. 15. Enjoy your homemade black pepper chicken with family and friends! Its a dish thats sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.Storage Tips
16. If you have leftovers (which is rare because its so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. 17. You can also freeze the black pepper chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator
Conclusion:
In summary, this Black Pepper Chicken dish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the bold kick of black pepper creates a flavor profile that is both satisfying and unforgettable. Plus, its quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want to enjoy a homemade meal. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with fluffy jasmine rice or a side of steamed broccoli to balance the heat. If youre feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or snap peas, or even swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist. I encourage you to give this Black Pepper Chicken recipe a try and make it your own! Once youve whipped it up, Id love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your creation. Cooking is all about sharing and enjoying, and I cant wait to see how you put your spin on this delicious dish! Print
Black Pepper Chicken Dish: A Flavorful Recipe to Spice Up Your Meals
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry features tender chicken marinated in soy sauce and cornstarch, sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, and coated in a savory black pepper sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dish, perfect over rice or noodles for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, slice the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into thin strips.
- Minced the garlic and ginger, and set them aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, covering it with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat for a minute.
- Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth or water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve the black pepper chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your heat preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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