Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors with a savory twist. The heat from the black pepper gives the chicken a nice kick without overpowering it. It’s an easy and quick dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, the sauce is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Taste the dish and add salt or extra black pepper if desired.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
- Add vegetables: You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots to make the dish more hearty.
- Heat level: Adjust the amount of black pepper to make the dish spicier or milder based on your preference. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work great for this recipe. They will add a slightly richer flavor and remain juicy during cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the Black Pepper Chicken is best when served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet with a little added chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
3. What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
You can serve this dish with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a moderate level of spice from the black pepper. You can adjust the amount of pepper to make it more or less spicy depending on your taste.
5. Can I freeze Black Pepper Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
6. Can I use a different type of pepper instead of black pepper?
For a milder option, you could use white pepper. For more heat, try using crushed red pepper flakes.
7. How can I thicken the sauce more?
To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water).
8. Can I make the sauce without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can omit the oyster sauce and substitute it with additional soy sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.
9. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to make the dish more filling and colorful.
10. How do I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of sugar. Alternatively, you could use honey or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The spicy kick of the black pepper combined with savory sauce makes for a satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Black Pepper Chicken
Enjoy this flavorful Black Pepper Chicken, a delicious stir-fry dish with tender chicken coated in a savory pepper sauce. The rich blend of black pepper and seasonings offers a perfect balance of heat and savory taste. Ideal for a quick, weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and add the freshly ground black pepper and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water and add it to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili peppers.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to your preference for spice level.
