This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a tasty dish full of flavor! It features juicy chicken pieces coated in a simple black pepper sauce that’s just the right amount of kick.
You’ll love how quick it is to make—perfect for busy nights! I often serve it over rice to soak up that yummy sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for diced chicken breasts, which are lean and cook quickly. For a juicier alternative, you can use chicken thighs. They add more flavor, and you won’t need to worry about overcooking them as much!
Vegetable Oil: I like using vegetable oil for its high smoke point, but you can also use canola, sunflower, or peanut oil. If you’re looking for flavor, try sesame oil, but use it sparingly as it has a stronger taste.
Bell Pepper: The green bell pepper adds a nice crunch and slightly bitter flavor. If you prefer something sweeter, feel free to swap it for red or yellow bell pepper. You can also use other vegetables, like snap peas or carrots, for variety!
Chilies: Adjust the heat level by choosing green chilies. If they seem too spicy, use a milder pepper or reduce the amount. You could even use diced jalapeños as a substitute.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Both sauces contribute umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegan option, look for mushroom sauce to replace the oyster sauce.
Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch gives a nice crispness. If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour will work too, but the texture might be a bit different.
How Do I Perfectly Stir-Fry Chicken?
The stir-frying technique is essential for this recipe. It’s all about cooking over high heat for quick, even cooking while keeping the chicken tender. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your pan until it’s hot before adding oil—this prevents sticking.
- Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Don’t forget to keep the chicken moving. Stir it frequently for even cooking and browning. Aim for about 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through.
Following these steps will help you achieve a delicious, satisfying stir-fry that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for coating)
- Salt to taste
For the Veggies:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3-4 green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- Spring onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Black Pepper Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You should plan for a marinating time of at least 15-30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 35-60 minutes to get this meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
Start by taking a bowl and combine the diced chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Mix everything really well, so each piece is nicely coated. Let this mixture marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to soak in all the delicious flavors.
2. Coating the Chicken (optional):
If you want your chicken to be a bit crispy, now’s the time to dust it with cornstarch. Just sprinkle some over the marinated chicken and make sure it’s well-coated.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Keep stirring to ensure it cooks evenly!
4. Adding the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add in the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Stir-fry these together for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become slightly tender and bright. You want that lovely crunch!
5. Final Seasoning:
Check the seasoning and add salt to taste. If you like it spicy, add the sliced green chilies and stir everything together to combine those amazing flavors.
6. Bringing It All Together:
Cook everything for another 1-2 minutes, just enough to let the flavors meld nicely. This is the moment where your kitchen will start smelling terrific!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the pan from heat. If you like, garnish with spring onions for a fresh touch. Serve your delightful black pepper chicken hot with rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the green bell pepper and onion for other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust cooking time as necessary based on the vegetables you choose.
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, beef, or shrimp. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu, and press it to remove excess moisture before marinating. If using beef, thinly slice it against the grain for tenderness. Cooking times may vary, so watch it closely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium heat or stir-fry in a pan over low heat until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of soy sauce to revive the flavors.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! You can increase the spice level by adding more green chilies or incorporating hot sauce. If you like it extra spicy, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of white pepper during cooking.
