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Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe features tender chicken cubes coated in a flavorful black pepper sauce, stir-fried with crisp onions, bell peppers, and a hint of garlic and ginger for a deliciously spicy and aromatic meal. Perfectly balanced with a savory and slightly tangy sauce, this quick stir-fry is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 500 grams (1.1 lbs) skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • Salt as required
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper sauce (from the sauce mixture)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 fresh red or green chili, chopped

Black Pepper Sauce

  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth until smooth and there are no lumps.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of the prepared black pepper sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and salt to taste. Set aside and let it rest while preparing the vegetables and aromatics.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until the underside is golden. Flip the cubes and brown the other side until the chicken is almost cooked through. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
  4. Stir Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and heat over high flame. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and chopped chilies, sautéing for 30 seconds until aromatic. Immediately add the onion and bell pepper cubes and stir-fry until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Combine: Reduce the heat to low. Whisk the sauce again to recombine any settled cornstarch and pour it into the pan. Let it simmer for 30 seconds. Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss well to coat and warm through.
  6. Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, stir to combine, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Prepare all ingredients in advance, as stir-frying is a quick process once started.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor; crush peppercorns using a mortar and pestle, pepper mill, or by pounding them in a kitchen towel with a rolling pin.
  • The quick marinating process ensures chicken is tender, juicy, and flavorful, mimicking the quality of Chinese restaurant dishes.
  • Use the marinating time to prepare other ingredients and whisk the sauce before cooking.
  • Always whisk the sauce well before adding it to the pan because cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Pepper Chicken, Easy Chicken Stir Fry, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Spicy Chicken, Quick Dinner

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/easy-black-pepper-chicken-recipe/