Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory black pepper sauce creates a harmonious and satisfying meal.
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Healthier Than Takeout: With less oil, sugar, and sodium, this homemade version is a healthier alternative to restaurant options.
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Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
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For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
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For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
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For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, dark soy sauce, chicken broth, and sugar until well combined. Set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds. Then stir-fry until the chicken is browned and about 80% cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Combine and Finish:
- Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, coating all the ingredients evenly.
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Serve:
- Transfer the Black Pepper Chicken to a serving dish and enjoy it hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish by adding vegetables such as snow peas, broccoli florets, or sliced carrots.
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Protein Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu to suit your preferences.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to increase the heat according to your taste.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
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Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
FAQs
What is Black Pepper Chicken?
Black Pepper Chicken is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces and vegetables tossed in a savory black pepper sauce. It’s known for its bold flavors and is often enjoyed with steamed rice or noodles.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will provide a juicier result. Ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Print
Black Pepper Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the bold and savory flavors of Black Pepper Chicken, a classic Chinese stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich black pepper sauce. This easy, 25-minute recipe is healthier than takeout and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch.
- Mix well and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauces, oyster sauce, black pepper, chicken broth, and sugar.
- Set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer; sear for 30 seconds undisturbed. Stir-fry until 80% cooked. Remove from skillet.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet.
- Stir-fry onion and bell pepper for 1-2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Combine & Finish:
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the sauce, stirring to coat.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
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Serve:
- Enjoy hot over steamed rice or noodles!
Notes
- Want More Heat? Add red pepper flakes or extra black pepper.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Try adding snow peas, broccoli, or carrots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
