Black Pepper Chicken

An easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your home kitchen. This dish features juicy, tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables and a rich, savory black pepper sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and coarsely ground black pepper creates a savory sauce that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have at home—bell peppers, onions, or even snap peas work well!
• Healthier Than Takeout: This recipe uses fresh ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal that’s lighter than typical restaurant options.
• Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting tamari for soy sauce.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Black Pepper Chicken successfully, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized bowl
• Small bowl
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and vegetables without overcrowding.
• Spatula: A good spatula helps in flipping the chicken easily without breaking it apart during cooking.

Ingredients

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 apple vinegar (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing apple vinegar (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 Cooking

• 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, light soy sauce, Shaoxing apple vinegar, 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

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. 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 marinated chicken. Spread it into a single layer using a spatula with minimal overlap. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until both sides are browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté minced ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add chopped white onion and bell peppers; stir-fry for about 20 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chicken

Stir the prepared sauce mixture until cornstarch is fully dissolved then pour it into the skillet. Stir immediately as it cooks until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—a few seconds should suffice. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and quickly stir everything together to coat with sauce. Turn off heat and transfer everything to a large plate immediately to prevent further cooking.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious Black Pepper Chicken hot as a main dish!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Serving Black Pepper Chicken can elevate your meal experience and impress your guests. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that complement its rich flavors.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the savory black pepper sauce, enhancing each bite.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with black pepper chicken for a fun and healthy twist.

Topped with Green Onions

• Garnish the dish with sliced green onions for added flavor and a pop of color.

Alongside Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair it with a mix of stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and nutritious plate that balances the meal.

With Noodles

• Serve over warm noodles, allowing the sauce to coat them for a comforting option.

How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Black Pepper Chicken, consider these helpful tips:

• Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes ensures maximum flavor absorption.

• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken, locking in juices and flavor.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to spread the chicken in a single layer for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.

• Stir Frequently: Stirring occasionally while cooking helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking throughout.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of black pepper according to your taste preference; more spice adds depth!

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Black Pepper Chicken can enhance your meal’s overall appeal and balance flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that complements the dish well. Add peas, carrots, and eggs for extra flavor.

2. Garlic Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds a fresh crunch and pairs beautifully with savory chicken.

3. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat make a delicious starter alongside this main dish.

4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the spicy black pepper sauce.

5. Quinoa Pilaf: Quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a nutritious alternative to rice.

6. Chow Mein Noodles: Stir-fried chow mein noodles add texture and soak up the flavors of the sauce nicely.

7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as an excellent appetizer, cleansing the palate before indulging in rich flavors.

8. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli not only adds color but also balances out the richness of the chicken dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Black Pepper Chicken, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish from good to outstanding. Here are some mistakes you should steer clear of:

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Allow it to soak in the soy sauce and vinegar for at least 10 minutes for maximum taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can result in dryness. Sear it just until browned, as it will finish cooking with the sauce.
• Neglecting the vegetables: Forgetting to sauté your vegetables properly can make them soggy. Cook them quickly over high heat to keep them crisp and colorful.
• Not measuring ingredients: Guessing ingredient amounts can alter the flavor balance. Use precise measurements for a consistent and delicious black pepper sauce.
• Using low-quality soy sauce: Poor-quality soy sauce can ruin your dish. Opt for a good brand for richer flavor and better results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

• Freeze Black Pepper Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Ensure it’s cooled down before freezing to maintain quality.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Black Pepper Chicken:

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner.

Is Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this dish gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and dry sherry for Shaoxing apple vinegar.

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?

The spiciness mainly comes from coarsely ground black pepper. You can adjust the amount based on your tolerance level.

What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, creating a complete meal that satisfies cravings.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something comforting yet quick. Try this easy recipe today!