Description
Black Pepper Chicken is a savory, aromatic dish featuring tender chicken pieces stir-fried in a bold and flavorful black pepper sauce. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish is a perfect balance of spice, umami, and subtle sweetness. It’s quick to make, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. Serve it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp oil (for stir-frying)
For the Black Pepper Sauce:
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for slight sweetness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a hint of sweetness)
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp oil for stir-frying
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
-
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and brown sugar. Stir well and set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Sauté the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce and stir everything together.
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and chicken broth. Stir well and let the sauce thicken for 2 minutes.
-
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Healthier Option: Use lean chicken breast and reduce oil for a lighter version.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fat: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~30g