Black Pepper Chicken

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This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and a robust, savory black pepper sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant takeout right to your kitchen. The rich flavor of coarsely ground black pepper adds a pleasant spiciness, while the stir-fried vegetables lend freshness and texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 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

Stir Fry:

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

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken slices with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Mix gently with your hands until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients—chicken broth, light and dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside; it will add a rich, savory flavor to the dish when combined with the stir-fried ingredients.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken slices, spreading them into a single layer to ensure even cooking. Let them sear for about 30 seconds until the bottom is lightly browned. Flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 15 to 20 seconds, stirring occasionally. The goal is to brown the chicken but leave the center slightly pink. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced ginger and garlic, stirring quickly until fragrant, which should take about 10 seconds. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet, stirring for 20 seconds to slightly soften them while maintaining their crisp texture.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Combine

Before adding the sauce to the skillet, give it a quick stir to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring constantly as it begins to thicken. The sauce will quickly coat the vegetables and take on a glossy, rich appearance. Add the browned chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for a few more seconds until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened enough to cling to the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Serve the Black Pepper Chicken

Immediately transfer the Black Pepper Chicken to a serving dish to prevent it from continuing to cook in the hot skillet. This dish is best served hot, paired with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t skip the marination step! Allowing the chicken to sit in the marinade for at least 10 minutes helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
• Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For the boldest flavor, use coarsely ground black pepper. It provides a spicy kick that complements the savory sauce.
• Cook in Batches if Necessary: If your skillet is too small to cook all the chicken at once, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as snap peas, baby corn, or carrots, for added color and texture.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To make this Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, make sure to use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine to avoid gluten contamination.

Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy all the flavors of your favorite takeout, but made fresh in your own kitchen.
• Customizable: You can easily swap the vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.

This Black Pepper Chicken is a great dish for any occasion—whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner for your family or preparing a flavorful meal for guests. Serve it with rice or noodles to soak up the delicious black pepper sauce, and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish at home!

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Spicy Black Pepper Chicken

If you like your food with a little more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper during the stir-fry process. The added spice will complement the boldness of the black pepper sauce.

Vegetable Additions

For an extra boost of nutrients, consider adding some green beans, broccoli, or mushrooms to the stir-fry. These vegetables not only enhance the dish’s nutritional value but also add more flavor and texture.

Serving Ideas

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, but you could also serve it with fried rice or noodles for a more substantial meal. For a complete Asian-inspired feast, add a side of dumplings or a fresh cucumber salad.

Storing and Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

How to Store Leftovers

Black Pepper Chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving, and add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

You can also freeze this dish for up to three months. Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in a skillet. Again, you might need to add a little water to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Meal Prep Option

This dish is an excellent option for meal prepping. Prepare it in advance and portion it out into individual containers. You’ll have a flavorful and protein-packed meal ready to go throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Black Pepper Chicken is a versatile, quick-to-make dish that will impress anyone who loves bold, savory flavors. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it’s the perfect option for a satisfying, home-cooked meal. Try it out, and enjoy this better-than-takeout meal from the comfort of your home!