Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breast: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean and tender option. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well and add more flavor.

Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is key for the spice level. If you want it a bit milder, you can reduce the amount used or use white pepper instead.

Soy Sauce: Look for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free alternative that offers a similar flavor.

Oyster Sauce: For a vegetarian or vegan option, use mushroom sauce, which gives a similar umami taste without seafood.

Corn Starch: This helps with crispiness. If you’re avoiding corn, tapioca flour can be a good substitute.

How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?

Getting your chicken just right is crucial to this dish. Start by ensuring your skillet or wok is really hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear.

• Cook the marinated chicken in a single layer to allow even browning – avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Check that the chicken is cooked through with no pink areas, ideally reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper (green or red), sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional for heat)
• Salt to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious black pepper chicken recipe requires about 30 minutes in total: 20 minutes for marinating the chicken and 10 minutes for cooking everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a mixing bowl, take your bite-sized chicken pieces and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, corn starch, and 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good mix until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to soak up all those tasty flavors.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry it for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

In the same pan, toss in the sliced onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry everything for about 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a nice crunch. Smell that delicious aroma!

4. Combine and Final Touches:

Now, it’s time to return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the remaining black pepper and the sliced chilies (if you want some heat). Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.

5. Season and Serve:

Finally, season your dish with salt to taste, then remove it from heat. Serve your hot and flavorful black pepper chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!

Can I Use Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and can add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time if necessary, as thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through than breasts.

How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

If you want to reduce the heat, simply skip the red chilies or use a milder variety, such as bell peppers or half the amount of chilies. You can also balance the heat with a bit of brown sugar or honey to add sweetness without making it overly spicy.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist when reheating.

Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead of time. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the stir-frying steps, and enjoy a quick meal!