Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, peppery sauce and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Follow this guide to create a savory black pepper chicken that will become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced crosswise into 1/4″ (5-mm) thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or any vegetable oil of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well mixed. Set aside.
Stir Fry the Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Ginger and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced ginger and garlic. Cook for approximately 30 seconds until the aroma is released.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped white onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
Combine and Cook
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Combine with Sauce: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
Conclusion
This flavorful black pepper chicken is a savory and aromatic dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, peppery sauce creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this black pepper chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the delightful taste of this classic dish. Happy cooking!