This easy black pepper chicken is full of flavor and makes a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a zesty black pepper sauce that’s super tasty!
Honestly, the best part is how fast it comes together. Just cook the chicken, mix the sauce, and you’re ready to eat. I love having it with rice for a complete meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe uses chicken breast for a lean option. You can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor. If you don’t have a grinder, pre-ground pepper can work too, but the flavor won’t be as robust. You can also try a mix of white pepper for a different taste.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is essential for that savory umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. You can also opt for coconut aminos for a lighter, sweeter flavor, though it’s less salty.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich depth to the sauce. If you want to skip it, try a bit of hoisin sauce for sweetness, or simply use extra soy sauce.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is used here, you can use any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil. For a touch of flavor, you might also consider sesame oil, but use it sparingly as it has a strong taste.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the chicken cooked just right is crucial for this dish. Follow these steps to ensure it remains juicy and tender:
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering before adding the chicken. This creates a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and fully opaque, about 5-7 minutes, and always check the thickest piece to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 red chili, sliced (for garnish, adjustable to taste)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-30 minutes for marinating the chicken, plus another 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 30-45 minutes to get your tasty black pepper chicken on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together well, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to soak in the flavors.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before you add the chicken, as this helps to cook it properly.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet. Stir-fry it for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice browning. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger (if using). Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crunchy.
5. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes so that all the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Final Touches:
Adjust the seasoning as needed. Finally, garnish your dish with sliced red chili and sesame seeds if you like. They add a lovely finish!
7. Serve:
Serve your hot Easy Black Pepper Chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a delightful meal.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Black Pepper Chicken!
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; for example, shrimp will cook much faster than chicken, so add it just a few minutes before the veggies are done.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, try adding more fresh chilies, or even a teaspoon of chili flakes when marinating the chicken. You can also drizzle some sriracha or another hot sauce over the finished dish for additional spice.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just be sure to cook the dish on the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftover cooked chicken, it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up!
