If you’re looking for a truly dynamic and flavorful dish to elevate your dinner table, this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Imagine tender chicken pieces enveloped in a fragrant, peppery sauce, delivering a savory spice to every single bite — it’s simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The coarsely ground black pepper adds a nuanced heat that complements the savory sauce perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can have this delectable meal on your table in no time.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or veggies according to your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the bell peppers makes it a hit even with the younger audience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Black Pepper Chicken calls for simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a dish exploding with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken to the rich oyster sauce.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (or Thighs): The choice between breast or thigh provides flexibility in texture and richness.
- Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: This is the star, bringing heat and complexity to every bite.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce, making it delightfully savory.
- Low Sodium Chicken Stock: A base for the sauce that ensures it doesn’t overpower the dish with saltiness.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your family’s preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few creative twists to consider!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, maintaining the protein content while making it veggie-friendly.
- Spice It Up: Add sliced chilies or extra black pepper for those who crave even more heat.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Kick things off by marinating your chicken with water, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Take a moment to work the marinade into the chicken with your hands, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated and ready to achieve maximum flavor once cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together a savory sauce of chicken stock, oyster sauce, soy sauces, sugar, and sesame oil. This combination will create a rich, complex sauce that hugs each piece of chicken with delicious umami.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat your wok and sear the marinated chicken until mostly cooked. Set it aside and stir-fry the garlic, onion, and Shaoxing wine, filling your kitchen with their fragrant aroma before adding bell peppers and celery.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the prepared sauce to the stir-fried veggies, let it simmer, and thicken with cornstarch slurry. Finally, toss the chicken back in, ensuring each bite is coated in that luscious sauce, before serving over steamed rice.
Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Chicken
- Marinade Magic: Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, especially if you’re using hearty thighs.
- Wok Wisdom: Make sure your wok is hot enough to create that beautiful sear and keep everything from getting soggy.
- Pepper Perfection: Use freshly cracked black pepper for the freshest and most potent aroma.
- Consistency Control: Adjust the thickness of your sauce to your liking with more stock or cornstarch slurry.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken
Garnishes
Garnish your Black Pepper Chicken with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds to add a pop of color and extra layer of flavor. These simple enhancements bring a delightful contrast and texture to the dish.
Side Dishes
This bold and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a fresh side salad with a crisp, tangy vinaigrette to balance out the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the Black Pepper Chicken in a shallow bowl, with the rice neatly molded beside it. Add slices of colorful bell peppers on top for an aesthetically pleasing touch that’s also tantalizing to the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify over time, making for a delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the Black Pepper Chicken to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or stock if needed.
FAQs
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Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Beef works wonderfully with the black pepper sauce. You’ll want to adjust cooking times for beef, depending on the cut selected.
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What can I use as a substitute for Shaoxing wine?
You can substitute with dry sherry or mirin. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use chicken stock with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
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How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of black pepper and avoid adding any additional spicy elements like chilies.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce option.
Final Thoughts
Embark on this flavorful journey and try making Black Pepper Chicken at home. It’s a delightful dance of savory and spicy, guaranteed to win over any palate. I can’t wait for you to try it!
