Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast is great for this dish, providing a lean protein base. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey breast or tofu (for a vegetarian option) work well too. Just keep the size uniform for even cooking.

Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is key for that spicy kick. You can start with less if you’re sensitive to spices and gradually add more. It’s also fun to experiment with a pepper mix for varied flavor.

Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth, while oyster sauce gives a hint of sweetness. If you prefer gluten-free, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce, and skip the oyster sauce or use a mushroom-based alternative to keep it plant-based.

Cornstarch: This ingredient helps thicken the sauce and gives chicken a nice glaze. If you’re out of cornstarch, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour, but the texture might slightly differ.

Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions bring crunch and flavor. You can swap in other veggies like carrots, snap peas, or zucchini based on your preference or what you have on hand. Aim for a mix of colors to keep it vibrant!

How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?

Cooking chicken perfectly can sometimes be tricky, but it helps to break it down into simple steps. Start by marinating the chicken; this not only enhances flavor but also helps keep it juicy. Stir-frying is key here.

• Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear it quickly
• Keep the pieces uniform to ensure they cook at the same rate
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; this lets the chicken brown nicely instead of steaming.
• Cook until fully opaque and lightly browned, around 5-7 minutes. A food thermometer can help, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Chicken and Marinade:

• 500g chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt to taste

Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper (green or mixed colors), diced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2-3 green chilies, sliced (adjust based on spice preference)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced

Other:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time to marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables, plus 15 minutes to cook everything up. So in total, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes to enjoy a delicious meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced chicken, black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken is coated. Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those 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 skillet. Stir-fry it for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and starts to brown slightly.

3. Add Aromatics and Vegetables:

Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the chicken. Stir-fry for about a minute until you can smell the lovely aromas. Then, add in the sliced onion, bell pepper, and green chilies. Stir everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a nice crunch.

4. Final Touches:

Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want more heat, sprinkle in a bit more black pepper. Once you’re satisfied, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped spring onions.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Easy Black Pepper Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to dice them to a similar size as the chicken breasts so they cook evenly.

What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, a great substitute is soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar or hoisin sauce. This will mimic the sweetness and savory flavors of oyster sauce quite well.

How Do I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

To reduce the heat, simply use milder peppers or reduce the number of green chilies. You can also add a touch of sugar or honey to help balance out the spice if it’s too intense.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the stove at low heat or the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.