Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Hello, food enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful stir-fry, this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is the answer. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory black pepper sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some bold flavors to your table!

Introduction

Black Pepper Chicken is a classic Chinese-inspired stir-fry that combines tender chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and a bold, aromatic black pepper sauce. This dish is a favorite at many Chinese restaurants, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy, homemade takeout-style meal, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

The key to this dish lies in its well-balanced sauce, where the fresh ground black pepper takes center stage, giving the dish a slight kick without overwhelming the other flavors. Paired with perfectly stir-fried chicken and veggies, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Black Pepper Sauce

  • 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Shaoxing Wine or sherry
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar or 2 tablespoons Mirin
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

  • 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into thin bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger paste
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce, Shaoxing Wine, brown sugar, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper. This sauce is the backbone of the dish, so ensure it’s well combined. Set the bowl aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce and 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a little vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Using tongs, remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and add it to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, flipping the pieces once to brown the other side. Work in batches if necessary, and transfer the cooked chicken to a plate as you finish each batch.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add a bit more vegetable oil to the skillet and keep it on medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for several minutes until they’re crisp-tender. Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring continuously. This step releases the fragrant flavors of the garlic and ginger. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a plate.

Step 5: Cook the Sauce
Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and give the black pepper sauce a final whisk. Pour it into the skillet, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken and vegetables to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until everything is evenly coated and warmed through. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips

  • Use Freshly Ground Pepper: For the best flavor, grind the black pepper fresh just before making the sauce. It makes a significant difference in taste.
  • Cut Evenly: Cut the chicken and vegetables into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
  • Work Quickly: Stir-frying is a fast cooking method, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
  • Shaoxing Wine Substitution: If you don’t have Shaoxing Wine or sherry, you can use rice vinegar or dry white wine as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • Non-Stick Skillet or Wok: Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Batch Cooking: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
  • Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the skillet while cooking the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Black Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white or jasmine rice, as the rice soaks up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or stir-fried noodles. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas to make the meal more wholesome. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for Black Pepper Chicken (per serving):

  • Calories: 280
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Potassium: 500mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Vitamin A: 15%
  • Vitamin C: 35%
  • Calcium: 4%
  • Iron: 8%

This dish is high in protein and rich in flavor while being lower in calories compared to many takeout options.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Leftovers are also great for meal prep. Pack them with rice or noodles in a microwave-safe container for an easy lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute, though fresh ginger provides a more robust flavor.

Can I make it spicier?
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper when cooking the sauce.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Black Pepper Chicken, try these other flavorful dishes:

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and easy dish that packs a bold punch of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving homemade takeout, this recipe is versatile, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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