Description
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces coated in a spicy and savory black pepper sauce. With crisp vegetables and a perfectly balanced sauce made from soy, vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper, this meal is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 500 gram (1.1 lbs) skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt, as required
- 1 tablespoon of the prepared black pepper sauce (from sauce ingredients)
Black Pepper Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium onions, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 fresh red or green chili, chopped
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the crushed black pepper, rice vinegar, light and dark soy sauces, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and water or chicken broth until smooth and free of lumps. Set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and salt to taste. Mix well to coat evenly and rest while preparing vegetables.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until hot. Spread the oil over the pan surface. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook until the bottom side turns golden brown, then flip and cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Stir fry vegetables: In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add minced ginger, garlic, and chopped chili, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the onion and green bell pepper cubes. Stir fry over high heat until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine: Lower the flame to the lowest setting. Whisk the black pepper sauce to recombine and pour it into the pan with the vegetables. Allow it to simmer for 30 seconds to thicken slightly. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss everything together, heating through and coating the chicken with the sauce.
- Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the dish, stir to combine, and serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh black pepper for the best aroma and flavor.
- Cooking the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and helps achieve a golden brown sear.
- Adjust the amount of chili according to your preferred heat level.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use cornstarch free of contamination.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian