Black Pepper Chicken

Black pepper chicken is a delightful dish that brings the robust flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your dining table. This stir-fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a savory blend of tender chicken and a zesty black pepper sauce. The balance of spices makes it a standout favorite among both adults and kids, ensuring it will be a hit at family dinner or when hosting friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, black pepper, and soy sauce delivers a rich and satisfying flavor that elevates simple chicken.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, to suit your taste preferences.
• One-Pan Cooking: All the magic happens in one wok, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your delicious meal.
• Perfect Pairing with Rice: Serve this dish over steamed rice to soak up the savory sauce for a complete meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready ensures that you can create this dish smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok: A wok provides high heat and allows for even cooking while stir-frying, giving you that authentic restaurant-style dish.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife is essential for quickly and safely chopping ingredients like chicken and vegetables.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps in tossing the ingredients evenly without damaging them.

Ingredients

Black pepper chicken is a tasty Chinese American dish combining a Chinese takeout-style brown sauce with a good amount of black pepper.

Ingredients:
– 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
– 3 tablespoons water
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
– 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
– 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
– 3 tablespoons neutral oil (divided)
– 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
– 1 medium onion (cut into wedges)
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
– 1/2 bell pepper (any color, cut into 1-inch/2.5cm pieces)
– 1 stalk celery (thinly sliced on an angle)
– 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a cornstarch slurry)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken. In a bowl, add the sliced chicken, water, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Rub the marinade ingredients into the chicken with your hands until the chicken has absorbed all the liquid. Set aside for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

Next, prepare the sauce mixture. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the chicken stock, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well-combined and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Place your wok over high heat until smoking. Add 2 tablespoons of oil followed by adding the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear the chicken until opaque on all sides; this should only take a couple of minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the chicken from the wok. It will be about 80–90% cooked but will finish cooking later.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Aromatics

Without washing the wok, turn on medium heat. Add another tablespoon of oil along with garlic and onion. Stir-fry for about 20 seconds before adding Shaoxing wine around the perimeter of the wok.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add bell peppers and celery along with another teaspoon of black pepper. Stir-fry for another half minute until they begin to soften.

Step 6: Combine Sauce Mixture

Pour in your prepared sauce mixture. Use your spatula to stir it around while deglazing any bits stuck to the sides of the wok. Allow it to come to a simmer.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

Stir up your cornstarch slurry and drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Let it simmer for about ten to fifteen seconds until it thickens into a gravy-like consistency.

Step 8: Final Touches

Toss in the seared chicken along with its juices from earlier. Stir-fry until everything is well-coated in sauce and thickened to your preference. Adjust seasoning by adding more dark soy sauce if desired or more cornstarch slurry if too thin.

Serve hot over steamed rice! Enjoy this delicious black pepper chicken that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Black pepper chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the savory sauce, allowing you to soak up all the flavors.

Over Noodles

• Serve the black pepper chicken over lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty twist, adding extra texture to each bite.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Freshly chopped green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor, elevating the dish’s presentation.

Accompanied by Stir-Fried Vegetables

• A mix of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli and snap peas adds nutrition and crunch, balancing the dish’s richness.

With a Side Salad

• A refreshing cucumber or Asian-style salad offers a crisp contrast to the warm and savory chicken dish.

How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

To create the best black pepper chicken, focusing on key techniques can make all the difference.

• Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes ensures it absorbs all the flavors deeply.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that perfect sear, locking in moisture and flavor in the chicken.
• Adjust Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amount of black pepper or soy sauce based on your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
• Keep it Fresh: Use fresh ingredients, especially garlic and vegetables, for maximum flavor impact in your dish.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust your cornstarch slurry as needed—this ensures your sauce has just the right thickness to coat everything perfectly.

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Pairing side dishes with black pepper chicken can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice filled with veggies makes for a classic pairing that complements the dish well.
2. Egg Rolls: Crunchy egg rolls provide an excellent appetizer or side with their crispy exterior and savory filling.
3. Garlic Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy with garlic offers a deliciously tender yet crunchy side that balances out rich flavors.
4. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with herbs and vegetables add freshness as well as texture to your meal.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds warmth and umami, making it an ideal starter before diving into your main dish.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the savory notes of black pepper chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in the taste of your black pepper chicken. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the Marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavor. Take the time to let the chicken absorb the marinade for at least 10 minutes.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long during the initial sear can make it dry. Sear just until opaque, as it will finish cooking later.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using inferior sauces or oils can affect flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality oyster sauce and oils for the best results.
• Ignoring Sauce Thickness: If you don’t check the sauce’s consistency, it may end up too thin or too thick. Adjust with cornstarch slurry or water as needed.
• Neglecting Vegetables: Skipping vegetables limits nutrition and flavor depth. Always include bell peppers and celery for a balanced dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store black pepper chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

• Place cooled black pepper chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Pepper Chicken?

Black pepper chicken is a savory dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a flavorful brown sauce with plenty of black pepper, often served over rice.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option while retaining similar flavors.

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Adding more black pepper increases heat; reduce it for a milder flavor.

What should I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make Black Pepper Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinate and prepare ahead of time, then store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it.

Final Thoughts

Black pepper chicken is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Give it a try—you won’t regret making this flavorful dish!