Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with a bold punch of peppery goodness? Look no further than Black Pepper Chicken! This dish combines tender chicken with the deep, rich flavors of black pepper, soy sauce, and stir-fried vegetables, making it the perfect meal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Keep reading to learn how to make this delightful dish at home with a few simple ingredients and a detailed, step-by-step guide!

this Recipe

What is Black Pepper Chicken?

Black Pepper Chicken is a popular stir-fry dish often found in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines. It’s known for its sharp, peppery flavor paired with tender, marinated chicken and stir-fried vegetables. The balance between savory soy sauce, aromatic spices, and the distinct heat of coarsely ground black pepper makes this dish a true standout. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that can easily be prepared in under 30 minutes. If you're a fan of bold flavors, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients List for Black Pepper Chicken

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, sliced against the grain into ¼” (5-mm) thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken broth (unsalted or low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce for a milder flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (use mixed colors for visual appeal)

Substitutions and Variations

Want to add your personal twist to this classic recipe? There are several substitutions and variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Chicken Alternatives: While this recipe uses chicken breasts or thighs, you can easily substitute pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add or swap in your favorite veggies. Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms are great options that go well with the black pepper sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb meal.
• Spice Level: If you prefer spicier food, add a few red pepper flakes or some freshly sliced chili peppers for an extra kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by preparing the chicken. Slice your chicken breasts (or thighs) into thin, ¼” (5 mm) slices. Slicing against the grain helps to make the meat more tender. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This will help to infuse the chicken with flavor and ensure that it remains juicy during the stir-frying process.

2. Make the Black Pepper Sauce

While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine, 2 teaspoons of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of coarsely ground black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved, as this will ensure a smooth and thickened sauce when cooked.

3. Stir-fry the Aromatics and Vegetables

Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or vegetable oil) and let it heat until shimmering. Add 1 tablespoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, toss in the chopped white onion and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain a bit of their crunch.

4. Cook the Chicken

Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. If you’re working with a smaller pan, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

5. Combine and Finish the Dish

Once the chicken is fully cooked, give the black pepper sauce a quick stir and pour it into the pan with the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure that the sauce evenly coats the chicken and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Pan: When stir-frying, it’s essential to avoid overcrowding the pan. If the chicken is too close together, it will steam instead of searing, resulting in less flavorful meat.
2. Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast, in particular, can become dry if overcooked. Pay close attention while stir-frying, and remove the chicken as soon as it’s no longer pink in the center.
3. Forgetting to Dissolve the Cornstarch: Make sure the cornstarch in the sauce is fully dissolved before adding it to the pan. This ensures the sauce thickens properly without any lumps.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Black Pepper Chicken is ready, it’s time to think about serving and presentation. Here are some ideas:

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken:

• With Rice: The classic way to serve Black Pepper Chicken is over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or basmati rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce and complements the bold, peppery flavors.
• With Noodles: You can also serve this dish over stir-fried noodles or rice noodles for a different texture.
• With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with a side of sautéed greens, such as bok choy or spinach, for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Black Pepper Chicken:

• Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve in a Wok or Skillet: For a more rustic presentation, you can serve the dish directly from the wok or skillet at the table.
• Use Colorful Vegetables: Mixed bell peppers not only add flavor but also create a visually appealing dish. Using red, yellow, and green peppers adds vibrancy to the plate.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe Tips

• Prep All Ingredients Before Cooking: Since stir-frying happens quickly, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
• Adjust the Black Pepper to Taste: If you’re unsure about how much black pepper to use, start with 1 teaspoon and gradually add more to suit your preference.
• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes helps tenderize the meat and enhances the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Black Pepper Chicken in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. They work wonderfully in this recipe.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Black Pepper Chicken has a warm, peppery heat, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add chili peppers or red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, flavorful stir-fry dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving guests, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. With the right balance of savory soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and the signature bite of black pepper, it's sure to become a favorite in your home. Follow this step-by-step guide and try the variations to make this dish your own!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get cooking!

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