Description
Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a peppery, savory sauce with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (coarsely cracked recommended)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and the cornstarch to tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is lightly browned and mostly cooked through, approximately 5 minutes. Then transfer the chicken onto a plate to rest.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and both green and red bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain slight crunch.
- Add Aromatics and Pepper: Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release their aroma and flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and add the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use coarsely cracked black pepper for enhanced texture and flavor.
- Serve the dish with steamed rice or noodles for a balanced meal.
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier and richer flavor.
- Prepare marinade in advance for deeper flavor infusion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
