Black Pepper Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings a delightful kick to your dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. With its balance of savory and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delicious sauce makes it a complete meal that pairs well with rice or noodles.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Ingredients

• 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 wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (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
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors recommended)

Directions

1. Combine the chicken, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Mix gently by hand until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and spread it out in a single layer. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
4. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally until browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the ginger and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Then, add the white onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 20 seconds.
6. Stir the sauce mixture until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, then pour it into the skillet. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and quickly stir to coat everything with the sauce. Turn off the heat and transfer everything to a large plate to prevent overcooking.
8. Serve hot as a main dish.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is best served hot. It makes a wonderful main dish alongside steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables to create a balanced meal.

How to Store Black Pepper Chicken

If you have leftover Black Pepper Chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals.

Tips to Make Black Pepper Chicken

• For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, up to an hour if you have time.
• Use freshly ground black pepper for a stronger flavor.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas to customize the dish to your liking.

Variation

You can make a spicy version of Black Pepper Chicken by adding red pepper flakes or using a spicy soy sauce. Additionally, you could substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and marinating.

2. Is there a substitute for Shaoxing wine?
Yes, you can use dry sherry as a substitute for Shaoxing wine.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to serve Black Pepper Chicken fresh, but you can marinate the chicken in advance and cook it right before serving for convenience.