This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and tasty dish! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful mix of black pepper, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs work great here for a juicier texture compared to breast. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian version or shrimp for a seafood twist!
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is best for flavor. If it’s too strong for your taste, try using less or substitute it with white pepper for a milder heat.
Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor, but you can swap them for red, yellow, or even orange bell peppers for added sweetness. Each color brings a unique taste!
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the dish, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using hoisin sauce or simply omit it for a lighter version.
Vegetable Oil: Canola or peanut oil are great alternatives for cooking. Olive oil will work too, but it has a lower smoke point, so keep the heat lower.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
To get perfectly cooked chicken, marinate it well and give it enough time to absorb the flavors. The important part is to cook it in a single layer in the pan. This helps it brown nicely.
- Heat the oil until it’s hot before adding chicken; this seals in moisture.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes—check for a nice crust without burning.
- Stir only occasionally to allow each piece to sear well.
These steps will give you tender chicken and a rich flavor that’s hard to resist!
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for coating)
- Salt to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2-3 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes marinating the chicken and then roughly 10 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and flavorful dish you can whip up on a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a pan or wok, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced onions and bell peppers, stirring them for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the mixture and mix everything well so the spices coat the chicken and vegetables. Add in the sliced red chilies for some heat and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until everything is nicely mixed and heated through.
5. Taste and Serve:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or soy sauce if desired. Serve your delicious black pepper chicken hot over a bed of rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breast meat for a juicier result. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same marinating and cooking instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can either omit it or substitute with hoisin sauce or a splash of fish sauce for a similar umami flavor. Adjust the amount to taste, as hoisin is sweeter than oyster sauce.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’d like more heat, consider adding more sliced red chilies or a sprinkle of chili flakes while cooking. You can also finish it off with a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to prevent drying out, or microwave until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or a little oil while reheating to keep it moist.
