This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is all about bold flavors! Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a zesty black pepper sauce that adds a kick to your meal.
It’s super quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights. I love serving it over steamed rice, so the sauce can soak in. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be asking for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken breast works best because it cooks quickly and stays tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, thighs are a great choice too. They have more flavor and tenderness!
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is essential for that kick. If you’re out, ground pepper can be a substitute, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Adjust to taste.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth to the dish. You can use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option, or even tamari for a gluten-free version.
Oyster Sauce: It gives a rich umami flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, look for mushroom soy sauce or hoisin sauce as a substitute.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil like canola or sunflower works well. For a twist, try peanut oil for added flavor!
How Do I Make the Chicken Tender and Flavorful?
The marinating step is key! By letting the chicken sit in soy sauce, cornstarch, and salt, it helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Aim for 15-20 minutes; if you can marinate longer, that’s even better.
- Mix the chicken with the marinade in a bowl, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Cover and let it sit in the fridge if you’re marinating longer.
Don’t skip on browning the chicken either, as it adds a nice texture and flavor through the Maillard reaction (that’s just a fancy way to say it caramelizes!).
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Vegetables?
Timing is everything when sautéing! Start with the garlic and ginger in hot oil to build flavor. Then, add the marinated chicken and let it sear for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Next, toss in your onions and bell pepper. It’s important to keep them tender-crisp for texture.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes and avoid overcooking to maintain their colors and crunch.
Remember, you can always add the sliced red chilies at the end if you like it spicy. Taste and adjust your seasonings before serving for that extra flair!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Dish:
- 500g boneless chicken breast, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional for heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy black pepper chicken takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time for marination and about 15 minutes for cooking. So, you’re looking at a total of around 30-35 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, add the diced chicken along with the soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well so the chicken is coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the chicken absorb all the flavors.
2. Heat the Skillet:
While the chicken is marinating, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to ensure a nice sear on the chicken.
3. Cook the Garlic and Ginger:
Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly for 30 seconds to 1 minute so they don’t burn and release their lovely aromas.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook this for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center.
5. Add Vegetables:
Next, mix in the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a nice crunch.
6. Season with Black Pepper:
Now it’s time for the star ingredient! Sprinkle the freshly cracked black pepper over the chicken and vegetables, and give everything a good stir to combine.
7. Add Chilies (if using):
If you like some heat, add the sliced red chilies now. Stir everything for another minute to infuse the dish with a bit of spice.
8. Taste and Finish:
Give your dish a taste and add more salt if needed. It should be bursting with flavor! Once done, remove it from heat.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your black pepper chicken with chopped spring onions for a fresh touch. Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your deliciously easy black pepper chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and add extra juiciness to the dish. Just cut them into pieces similar to the size for chicken breast, and follow the same cooking instructions. Cook them for a minute or two longer if needed for thorough cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! You can replace the oyster sauce with either hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for sweetness. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can also use mushroom sauce, which has a similar umami flavor.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. Just keep everything in separate containers in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, follow the recipe as directed for a quick meal.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
