Black Pepper Chicken Dish is a culinary delight that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. This dish, with its bold flavors and aromatic spices, is not just a meal; its an experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Asian markets where the air is filled with the tantalizing scent of freshly ground black pepper. Originating from various Asian cuisines, the Black Pepper Chicken Dish has evolved over time, incorporating unique regional ingredients that enhance its flavor profile.
People love this dish for its perfect balance of heat and savory goodness, making it a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions. The tender chicken, combined with the robust black pepper sauce, creates a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, its incredibly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Join me as we explore the steps to create this mouthwatering Black Pepper Chicken Dish that is sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Preparing the Chicken
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. This will help to marinate the chicken and give it a nice texture when cooked. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. 2. While the chicken is marinating, slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. I like to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. Mince the garlic and ginger, and set everything aside.Cooking the Chicken
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches. 4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until its browned and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. 5. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. 6. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.Creating the Sauce
7. In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth. This will be the sauce that brings all the flavors together. 8. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. 9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it with the vegetables and sauce. Add the black pepper at this stage, adjusting the amount to your taste. I love a good kick of black pepper, so I usually go for the full tablespoon! 10. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Make sure everything is heated through.Assembling and Serving
11. Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more black pepper or even a dash of chili flakes. 12. Serve the black pepper chicken over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. I prefer jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma, but any rice or noodle will work beautifully. 13. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. The green onions add a nice crunch and a pop of color to the dish. 14. Enjoy your homemade black pepper chicken! This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with a quick yet flavorful meal.Tips and Variations
– For a healthier version, you can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. – Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to the stir-fry for added nutrition and color. – If you want to make it a bit sweeter, you can add a splash of honey or more sugar to the sauce. – This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep. Now that you have all the steps laid out, I hope you enjoy making this delicious black pepper chicken dish as much as I do! Its a fantastic way to bring bold flavorsConclusion:
In summary, this Black Pepper Chicken dish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and that delightful kick of black pepper creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. Plus, its incredibly versatile! You can serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, toss it with stir-fried vegetables for a colorful plate, or even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option. Feel free to experiment with variations too! Add some heat with sliced chilies, or incorporate a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost. You can also swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp to cater to different dietary preferences. I genuinely encourage you to give this Black Pepper Chicken recipe a try. Id love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your experience, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Cooking is all about sharing and enjoying, and I cant wait to see how you make this dish your own! PrintBlack Pepper Chicken Dish: A Flavorful Recipe to Spice Up Your Meals
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry features tender chicken thighs and vibrant bell peppers in a savory sauce, making it a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Served over rice or noodles and garnished with fresh green onions, it’s a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. Mince the garlic and ginger, and set everything aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it with the vegetables and sauce. Add black pepper to taste. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the black pepper chicken over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- For a sweeter sauce, add a splash of honey or more sugar.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes