Black Pepper Chicken
An easy black pepper chicken will elevate your weeknight meals! This dish features juicy, tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables and a rich savory black pepper sauce. Perfect for a busy night or when entertaining guests, it tastes even better than your usual takeout. Plus, this recipe is adaptable for gluten-free diets, making it a fantastic option for everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of black pepper, ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering experience that will keep you coming back for more.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand; bell peppers, onions, and even broccoli work wonderfully.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables, this dish offers a nutritious dinner choice without sacrificing taste.
- Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily modify the recipe to fit gluten-free needs by swapping soy sauce with tamari.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some key items you’ll need to prepare this delicious black pepper chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Allows for even cooking of chicken and vegetables while providing ample space to stir-fry.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and combining sauce ingredients without mess.
- Spatula: Helps in flipping the chicken easily and stirring ingredients during cooking.
Ingredients
An easy black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken, crisp vegetables and a rich savory black pepper sauce. It takes no time to put together and tastes better than your usual Chinese restaurant takeout! {Gluten-Free Adaptable} To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce (both light and dark), and use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine.
For the Chicken
- 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 wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (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
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (I used mixed colors)
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, 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 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken. Immediately spread it into a single layer using a spatula with as little overlap as possible. Sear for about 1 minute until browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Add ginger and garlic; stir quickly until fragrant. Add white onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 20 seconds until slightly tender.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Stir the sauce mixture until cornstarch is dissolved completely then pour it into the skillet. Stir immediately until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon—this should take just a few seconds. Add back cooked chicken; stir quickly to coat everything with sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Turn off heat, remove skillet from stove, and transfer everything to a big plate so that ingredients don’t keep cooking in the hot skillet. Serve hot as a main dish.
Enjoy your delicious homemade black pepper chicken!
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken
Black pepper chicken is a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or pair it with sides, there are many delicious options.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the savory sauce, making each bite satisfying.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a fresh twist, serve black pepper chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This creates a light and healthy meal option.
Over Noodles
- Toss the chicken over cooked noodles for a filling dish. The noodles absorb the sauce beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Accompany your black pepper chicken with stir-fried veggies for added crunch and nutrition. Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas work well.
As Part of a Meal Prep
- Divide the chicken into meal prep containers along with your favorite sides. This makes for easy lunches throughout the week.
In Tacos
- Use tortillas to make black pepper chicken tacos. Top them with avocado and salsa for a fun fusion meal.
How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken
To achieve the best results with your black pepper chicken, consider these essential tips.
- Marinate properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Use high heat: Cooking over medium-high heat helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken, locking in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd: Ensure the chicken pieces are spread out in a single layer during cooking to promote even browning.
- Stir quickly: When adding the sauce, stir quickly to prevent it from burning while thickening.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your black pepper chicken right after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
- Customize spice level: Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your taste preference for a milder or spicier dish.
Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken
Pairing side dishes with black pepper chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Fried Rice: A delicious mix of rice, vegetables, and eggs that complements the flavors of the chicken.
- Egg Fried Noodles: Soft noodles stir-fried with eggs and vegetables add texture and richness to your plate.
- Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic provide a fresh contrast to the savory chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers and vinegar that balances out the dish’s richness.
- Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in sesame vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch.
- Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy offers subtle sweetness and is an excellent source of vitamins.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs and citrus dressing pairs nicely for a healthy touch.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy add natural sweetness that complements savory flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Black Pepper Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Skipping the marination time: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step; let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Using the wrong type of soy sauce: Different soy sauces have different flavors. Opt for light soy sauce for seasoning and dark soy sauce for color. Don’t mix them up!
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Sear it until just cooked through, then remove it from the heat promptly.
- Not preparing the sauce in advance: Having your sauce ready before cooking streamlines the process. Mix all sauce ingredients ahead of time to avoid confusion during cooking.
- Ignoring vegetable sizes: Uniformity in chopping vegetables ensures even cooking. Make sure your bell peppers and onions are cut uniformly to ensure they cook properly.
- Forgetting to adjust seasoning: Taste is crucial! Always adjust seasoning after combining everything to achieve the perfect balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Black Pepper Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure to label with the date.
Reheating Black Pepper Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Black Pepper Chicken.
How can I make Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well with beef or tofu as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What vegetables can I add to Black Pepper Chicken?
Feel free to include broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color. Customize based on your preferences!
Is Black Pepper Chicken spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much black pepper you use. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of black pepper or omit it entirely.
Final Thoughts
This easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is not only quick but also packed with flavor and versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or alternative proteins. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Black Pepper Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this easy and delicious Black Pepper Chicken recipe. Perfectly tender chicken is combined with a medley of crisp vegetables and enveloped in a rich and savory black pepper sauce, creating a dish that rivals any Chinese takeout. With its quick preparation time and adaptability for gluten-free diets, this meal is ideal for busy nights or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s packed with flavor from the aromatic blend of black pepper, ginger, and garlic. Discover how easy it is to whip up this comforting dish that everyone at the table will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- Mixed bell peppers and onion
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Heat oil in a skillet; cook marinated chicken until browned, then set aside.
- Stir-fry ginger, garlic, onion, and bell peppers briefly.
- Add sauce mixture; thicken before returning chicken to the skillet.
- Serve hot as a main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
