Black Pepper Chicken

An easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables and a rich black pepper sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish tastes better than takeout from your favorite Chinese restaurant. Your family will love the bold flavors and you’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: Enjoy a savory black pepper sauce that elevates the dish with its rich, aromatic spices.
• Versatile: Customize your Black Pepper Chicken by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice levels.
• Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily swap soy sauce with tamari and vinegar with dry sherry for a gluten-free option.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from vegetables, this dish is wholesome and satisfying.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Black Pepper Chicken, gather essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized bowl
• Small bowl
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides enough space to sear chicken evenly without overcrowding, ensuring proper browning.
• Spatula: Helps in flipping the chicken easily and mixing ingredients without damaging them.
• Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken, allowing flavors to penetrate well.

Ingredients

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 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; mixed colors)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken, light 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 about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

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

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken. Spread it into a single layer using a spatula, minimizing overlap. Sear for about one minute until lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to one minute 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. Toss in minced ginger and garlic; stir until fragrant. Add chopped white onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry everything for about twenty seconds.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Ingredients

Stir the prepared sauce mixture again to dissolve any cornstarch settled at the bottom, then pour it into the skillet. Use a spatula to stir immediately as the sauce thickens—this should take only a few seconds. Once thickened enough to coat back of a spoon, reintroduce cooked chicken into the skillet. Stir gently several times so everything is coated in sauce.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Turn off heat and remove from stove. Quickly transfer everything onto a large plate to prevent further cooking in residual heat. Serve your delicious Black Pepper Chicken hot as an enticing main dish!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this delicious meal.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve your Black Pepper Chicken over steamed white or brown rice for a filling meal that soaks up the savory sauce.

With Noodles

• Pair it with stir-fried noodles for a delightful twist. The noodles will absorb the flavors of the black pepper sauce beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds crunch and freshness to each bite.

Accompanied by Steamed Vegetables

• Add a side of steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color on your plate.

With Fried Rice

• Create a complete meal by serving it alongside fried rice. The combination of flavors will satisfy your cravings.

As Part of a Stir-Fry Platter

• Include this dish in a larger stir-fry spread with various proteins and veggies for an impressive family-style presentation.

How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

To make your Black Pepper Chicken even better, consider these tips for perfecting the dish every time you make it.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken. Freshness enhances flavor and texture.

• Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes helps infuse it with flavor and tenderness.

• Control Heat Levels: Cook on medium-high heat to achieve that perfect sear without drying out the chicken.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of coarsely ground black pepper or add red pepper flakes.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing too much chicken at once can lower the pan’s temperature, resulting in steaming rather than browning.

• Serve Immediately: For best texture and taste, serve Black Pepper Chicken right after cooking while it’s hot.

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Completing your meal with the right side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fried Rice: A classic accompaniment that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
2. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fluffy, this rice absorbs sauces well without overpowering other flavors.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of colorful vegetables adds freshness and crunch, balancing the savory dish.
4. Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp provide a delightful contrast in texture.
5. Garlic Naan: Soft naan bread is perfect for scooping up sauce-laden chicken pieces.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers and sesame dressing cools down spiciness while adding crunch.
7. Egg Fried Rice: Packed with flavor from eggs and vegetables, it’s a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with Black Pepper Chicken.
8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers warmth and umami notes that complement Asian-inspired meals well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Black Pepper Chicken, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

• Skipping the marination: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland flavors. Allowing it to marinate for at least 10–15 minutes helps enhance the taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too much chicken in the skillet at once can cause steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches to achieve a nice brown color on each piece.
• Neglecting sauce consistency: Not stirring the sauce mixture well before adding it can lead to uneven thickness. Make sure all ingredients are combined thoroughly for a rich sauce.
• Cooking on too high heat: Using excessively high heat may burn the garlic and ginger. Medium-high heat is ideal for cooking without burning.
• Ignoring ingredient substitutions: If you need a gluten-free version, don’t forget to use tamari instead of soy sauce. This small change can make a big difference for those with dietary restrictions.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best consumed within 2–3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and stir until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Black Pepper Chicken.

Can I use other proteins for Black Pepper Chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with shrimp, beef, or tofu as alternatives if you’d like to switch things up.

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?

The spiciness largely depends on the amount of black pepper used. Adjust it according to your preference for heat.

Is Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and dry sherry instead of Shaoxing apple vinegar.

What vegetables can I add to Black Pepper Chicken?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! Black Pepper Chicken is great for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers for easy access during the week.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken offers a delightful mix of juicy chicken and crisp vegetables paired with a savory black pepper sauce. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can customize it with different proteins and veggies based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!