Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean option. If you want to mix it up, chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try using firm tofu or tempeh cut into bite-sized cubes.

Vegetable Oil: This helps to fry the chicken and veggies. If you’re looking for alternatives, canola, sunflower, or peanut oil are great choices. For a richer flavor, you could also use sesame oil, but use it sparingly as it has a strong taste.

Black Pepper Sauce: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find it, you can mix soy sauce with a good amount of freshly ground black pepper. Adjust it to your heat preference. You can also use oyster sauce for a different twist.

Red Chilies: These add heat, but if you want it milder, try using bell peppers instead or skip them altogether. If you love spice, consider using fresh Thai bird chilies or a dash of chili flakes.

How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?

Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it perfectly cooked and delicious. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding your chicken so it sears nicely, locking in moisture. Here’s how to do it:

• Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
• Cook it in batches if your skillet is too small; overcrowding can cause steaming instead of frying.
• Look for a nice golden-brown color on the outside as an indicator that it’s ready.
• Make sure to stir frequently—they should cook evenly within 5-7 minutes.

How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2-3 red chilies, sliced (adjust according to spice preference)
• 3 tablespoons black pepper sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh black pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 25 minutes in total. You’ll need 15 minutes to marinate the chicken and about 10 minutes to cook everything. In no time, you’ll have a tasty dish ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinating the Chicken:

Start by placing the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, ginger powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can soak in.

2. Heating the Oil:

While the chicken is marinating, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the chicken.

3. Cooking the Chicken:

Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and has a nice golden brown color.

4. Adding Vegetables:

Now, toss in the sliced onion and diced green bell pepper. Keep stirring them for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender. You want them cooked but still a bit crunchy!

5. Mixing in Sauces:

Pour in the black pepper sauce and soy sauce, making sure to mix everything well so that all the chicken and veggies are coated evenly. This is where the magic happens!

6. Adding Spice:

Now, add the sliced red chilies. Stir-fry everything for another minute. Taste and see if you want to add more salt or fresh black pepper for extra flavor.

7. Finishing Touches:

Once everything looks good and delicious, remove it from the heat. If you’d like, garnish your dish with some sliced green onions for a beautiful presentation!

8. Serving:

Serve your spicy Black Pepper Chicken hot, alongside some steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for other proteins like beef, pork, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly: beef may need a bit longer to cook through, while tofu should be fried until it’s nicely golden.

What If I Don’t Have Black Pepper Sauce?

No worries! You can make a simple substitute by combining soy sauce with a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper, along with a dash of sugar for sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and adjust the pepper to your liking.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out!

Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

Of course! To reduce the heat, you can omit the red chilies altogether or use fewer of them. You might also consider adding a bit of honey or sugar to balance the spice, or serve it with a side of yogurt or sour cream to cool down the flavors.