Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and savory dish, perfect for those who love bold flavors. The chicken is stir-fried with onions, bell peppers, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper, resulting in a mouthwatering and aromatic meal. This recipe is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner, offering a delicious balance of spice and savoriness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Bold flavors: The combination of black pepper, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich, savory taste with a hint of spice.
• Customizable: You can easily add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to suit your preferences.
• Healthy: This recipe uses lean chicken breast, making it a great source of protein while keeping it light.
• Perfect for meal prep: It stores well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• Ground black pepper (freshly cracked for best flavor)
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green)
• Garlic, minced
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Water
• Cooking oil (vegetable oil or sesame oil)

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with a tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of black pepper, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the chicken marinates, slice the onions and bell peppers. Mince the garlic.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and stir-fry the onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and more ground black pepper. Adjust the pepper to your spice level preference.
6. Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over and stir everything together. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and veggies evenly.
7. Serve: Once done, remove from heat and serve the black pepper chicken over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or a plant-based protein like tempeh. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Spicier: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies for an extra spicy kick.
• Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content without compromising on flavor.
• More veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli to make the dish even heartier.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness comes from the black pepper, but you can adjust the heat by using more or less pepper to suit your taste.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavor, but if you need a substitute, you can use hoisin sauce or soy sauce with a bit of sugar.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and ensure that any other sauces you use are also gluten-free.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can add broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used, though the texture will be different from sliced chicken.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To keep the chicken tender, don’t overcook it. Stir-fry it quickly over high heat until just cooked through, and then remove it from the pan before adding it back at the end.

Can I use pre-ground black pepper instead of freshly cracked pepper?

You can, but freshly cracked black pepper gives the dish a much stronger and more aromatic flavor.

What should I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles make great side options. You can also serve it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and slice the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a delightful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want a quick, tasty meal. Its savory, peppery taste and simple ingredients make it a go-to option for families, and it’s easily customizable to suit different dietary needs. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home!

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