Looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold, peppery sauce? This Black Pepper Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple home cooking techniques. Drawing inspiration from Chinese cuisine, this dish features a perfect balance of savory soy sauce, aromatic ginger and garlic, and the star ingredient – freshly ground black pepper.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into ¼-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by marinating the sliced chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. This brief 10-15 minute marinade is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring tender meat.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare your sauce by combining chicken broth, soy sauces, wine, cornstarch, sugar, and that all-important black pepper. Having this ready ensures smooth cooking once you start the stir-fry.
- The cooking process moves quickly: First, stir-fry the chicken until just cooked through, then set it aside. Next, sauté aromatic ginger and garlic before adding colorful bell peppers and onions. Finally, combine everything with the sauce, letting it thicken to a glossy finish that coats every piece perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (excluding rice or noodles):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
This recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
For an appealing presentation, serve this Black Pepper Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. The dark, glossy sauce should coat the chicken and vegetables evenly, with visible specks of black pepper throughout. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Consider serving with additional vegetables on the side, such as steamed broccoli or Chinese greens, to create a complete and balanced meal. The dish’s vibrant colors – from the red and green peppers to the rich brown sauce – make for an Instagram-worthy plate.
In Conclusion
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe offers the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences – add more vegetables, adjust the pepper level, or experiment with different proteins. The key to success lies in preparing all ingredients before you start cooking and maintaining high heat throughout the stir-frying process.
Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe provides a reliable way to create a satisfying, restaurant-style dish in your own kitchen. The bold black pepper sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables come together in a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.