Black Pepper Chicken
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that makes your taste buds dance, and for me, that dish is Black Pepper Chicken. Growing up, I remember the aroma of this delightful meal wafting through the house, pulling everyone to the dinner table like a magnet. The combination of tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that unmistakable kick of black pepper all meld together to create a wonderful symphony of flavors. It’s a dish that brings back warm memories while being a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether it’s served over rice or with a side of steamed veggies, Black Pepper Chicken is sure to be a hit!
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
15 mins
15 mins
Medium
380 kcal
32 g
Keto, Gluten-Free
16 g
Large nonstick skillet
What You’ll Enjoy About This Black Pepper Chicken
Rich Flavor Profile
The magic of Black Pepper Chicken lies in its rich flavor profile. The combination of the succulent chicken with the aromatic spices elevates the dish to another level. You’ll find that the freshly ground black pepper not only adds heat but also a depth that enhances every bite. It’s not just about heat; it’s about the layers of flavors that unfold in your mouth.
Quick and Simple
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish in no time. It’s perfect for hectic evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, once you master this recipe, you can easily adjust it based on what you have on hand!
Colorful and Nutritious
Visually, Black Pepper Chicken is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors from the bell peppers and green onions not only make it appealing but also pack a nutritional punch. Eating colorful foods is often a sign that you’re getting a healthy variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and this dish makes it easy to enjoy them.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe is also fantastic for meal prep. You can make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy it over several days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious for leftovers. Plus, it reheats wonderfully, so you don’t have to sacrifice taste for convenience!
Customizable
Finally, one of the best things about Black Pepper Chicken is its versatility. You can easily customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust the spice level, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability means it can be a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Black Pepper Chicken Shopping List
When it comes to making Black Pepper Chicken, the ingredients are simple yet essential. This dish relies on key players like tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers, which work together harmoniously to create a satisfying meal. Each ingredient adds its unique character, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully into a delicious symphony.
- Vegetable oil: 1 to 2 tablespoons
Vegetable oil is the foundation for your cooking, providing the fat needed for sautéing that gives the dish its base flavor. You can also use canola or olive oil based on your preference. - Chicken: 1 pound boneless skinless breasts
Chicken is the star of this dish, providing protein and a canvas for the rich flavors of the spices and sauces. - Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon
Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies. - Black pepper: ½ teaspoon freshly ground
The ingredient that gives this dish its name, bringing heat and complexity to each bite. - Red bell pepper: 1 medium
Adds sweetness and vibrant color, making the dish visually appealing. - Green bell pepper: 1 medium
Provides a contrasting flavor and crunch to complement the other ingredients. - Onion: ½ yellow or white onion
Onions are crucial for building flavor, caramelizing beautifully to add sweetness. - Garlic: 3 to 4 cloves, minced
Garlic provides aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. - Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, minced
A little bit of ginger adds a unique warmth and zest that’s perfect for stir-fries. - Chicken broth: ½ cup reduced sodium
This adds moisture and flavor, creating a delicious sauce. - Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons lite, reduced sodium
Soy sauce contributes umami, enhancing the savory profile of the dish. - Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
This sauce adds richness and depth, complementing the soy sauce beautifully. - Honey: 1 tablespoon
A hint of sweetness balances the savory and spicy elements. - Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
Used for thickening the sauce to create a lovely coating for the chicken. - Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
Adds a warm kick to the dish without overwhelming heat. - Green onions: 2 for garnish, sliced
These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor when sprinkled on top. - Sesame seeds: 2 teaspoons, optional
These provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor when sprinkled just before serving.
Cooking Method for Black Pepper Chicken
Cooking Black Pepper Chicken is a delightful experience that combines vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Follow these steps to create a dish that will not only look stunning but taste incredible. Let’s dive into the process!
- Start by heating your large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet. Swirl the oil around to coat the surface once it’s hot. You want the oil shimmering, but not smoking. This indicates that it’s ready for the next step.
- Next, season your 1 pound of chicken with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Place the chicken pieces into the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on the outside while the inside should be thoroughly cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet using tongs or a slotted spoon, and set it aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet; those delicious bits left behind will add flavor to the next stage.
- Now, add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and become tender. They should be vibrant and slightly charred for that extra flavor kick.
- With the vegetables in the skillet, toss in the 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step is crucial; you want to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as that can create a bitter taste.
- Next, slowly pour in the ½ cup of chicken broth, followed by the 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the cornstarch dissolves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes or until it starts to thicken. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon, indicating it’s ready.
- Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce, letting it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Before serving, taste the stir fry and adjust the flavors as needed. You can add more salt, black pepper, or even more honey for sweetness. Maybe a pinch of cayenne for spice if you like it hot!
- Finally, garnish your Black Pepper Chicken with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the connectedness of flavors you created!
Things Worth Knowing
- Importance of Temperature: Always ensure that your skillet is adequately heated before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the meat, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the amount of black pepper and chili powder to your taste. If you’re serving kids or those who prefer milder flavors, you can reduce them.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and ginger elevates the dish. They provide a unique depth of flavor that dried versions simply can’t match.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming it. This ensures it gets a nice color.
Recipe Notes about Black Pepper Chicken
When making Black Pepper Chicken, a few tips can go a long way in ensuring your dish turns out perfect. Here are some notes to keep in mind:
- Storage: Leftovers will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Note that the vegetables may lose their crispness after freezing, but they will still be tasty!
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately from any vegetables. This helps maintain the texture of the stir-fry.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms, depending on what you have on hand.
What Complements This Black Pepper Chicken
Serving Black Pepper Chicken opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Here are some great options to consider:
- Rice: Serve it over fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
- Noodles: Toss it with your favorite noodles for a heartier meal.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the savory notes of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious boost.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions where you want to impress guests.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Black Pepper Chicken is a delightful dish that balances flavor, simplicity, and nutrition. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite sides. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the amazing taste for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by heating your large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet. Swirl the oil around to coat the surface once it's hot. You want the oil shimmering, but not smoking. This indicates that it's ready for the next step.
- Next, season your 1 pound of chicken with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Place the chicken pieces into the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. You're looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on the outside while the inside should be thoroughly cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet using tongs or a slotted spoon, and set it aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet; those delicious bits left behind will add flavor to the next stage.
- Now, add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and become tender. They should be vibrant and slightly charred for that extra flavor kick.
- With the vegetables in the skillet, toss in the 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step is crucial; you want to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as that can create a bitter taste.
- Next, slowly pour in the ½ cup of chicken broth, followed by the 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the cornstarch dissolves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes or until it starts to thicken. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon, indicating it’s ready.
- Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce, letting it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Before serving, taste the stir fry and adjust the flavors as needed. You can add more salt, black pepper, or even more honey for sweetness. Maybe a pinch of cayenne for spice if you like it hot!
- Finally, garnish your Black Pepper Chicken with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the connectedness of flavors you created!
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Note that the vegetables may lose their crispness after freezing, but they will still be tasty!
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately from any vegetables. This helps maintain the texture of the stir-fry.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms, depending on what you have on hand.
