Black Pepper Chicken
A bold and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a savory black pepper sauce, paired with crisp vegetables. Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. (Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup of bell peppers red, yellow, or green sliced into strips for added color and crunch.
- 1 cup of broccoli florets for a nutritious touch.
- 1 medium onion sliced for sweetness.
- 2 cloves of garlic minced for an aromatic base.
Seasoning:
- 2 –3 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper adjust to your spice level.
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce optional, for added depth.
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to coat the chicken giving it a nice texture.
Cooking Oil:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or sesame oil for stir-frying.
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, a generous amount of black pepper, and a splash of soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Heat the Pan:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Stir-fry for about 5–7 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add Vegetables:
- Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the pan and add the sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine and Season:
- Mix the chicken and vegetables together and pour in the remaining soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
Serve:
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Customizable: Adjust the level of black pepper for more or less heat.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 cup of Black Pepper Chicken with vegetables):- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg