Description
This Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce. Perfect for weeknights, it’s a delicious dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
- Add the onion and bell peppers, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine and Finish
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Add the black pepper and mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, if desired, and give it a final toss.
6. Serve
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with additional black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste.
- Additions: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for more vegetables.
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with tofu, beef, or shrimp for variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.