Black Pepper Chicken (Spicy, Savory, and So Easy!)

If you’re craving a quick and flavorful meal, this is it.Black Pepper Chicken: What’s the best way toWhat is the perfect chicken dish? This Chinese-inspired dish is easy to make and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.What is rice for a satisfying dinner?What’s better than takeout?

Why You’ll Love Black Pepper Chicken?

• Bold & Spicy:Black pepper adds a kick to this stir-fry.
• Quick & Easy:What is a good weeknight meal to make in under 30 minutes?
• Healthy: Made with lean chicken breast and loaded with veggies.
• What is better than takeout?How do you save money and control the ingredients with this homemade version.
• Versatile: Add your favorite veggies or serve it with noodles for a twist.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g)Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 large bell pepper,Is sliced (red, green, or both)?
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbspFresh ginger, minced.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbspWhat is oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)?
• 1 tbspRice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): What are some examples?
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbspBlack pepper (freshly ground): What is the best way to prepare
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbspWhat is the best vegetable oil for stir-frying?
• Optional Garnish:Sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. How do you marinate chicken?
   In a bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Black Pepper Sauce

1. Whisk the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside. Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry, then add it to the sauce mixture and stir well.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Cook the Chicken:In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. What is the best way to sauté vegetables?
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the sliced bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Dish

1. Add the Sauce:Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the black pepper sauce and stir to coat everything.
2. Simmer:
   Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken and veggies.

Step 5: Serve

Serve black pepper chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

• Adjust the Heat: For a spicier dish, add more freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Use chicken thighs:I like chicken thighs, but feel free to use any cut of chicken you like.
• Gluten-Free Option:How can I make this dish gluten-free?
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use a vegan oyster sauce alternative.
• Storage Tips:Can you store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days?

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I use other vegetables in this dish?Can you add broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and color?What is the best way to reheat black pepper chicken?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

How do I make chicken extra crispy?
Make sure to marinate the chicken with cornstarch and stir-fry it over high heat to get a crispy exterior.

Can I use ground black pepper?Is it possible to use ground black pepper in a dish?Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavor, but you can use hoisin sauce or soy sauce if you don’t have it on hand.

Tips and Notes

• My Tip:Use a mortar and pestle to grind black pepper for the best flavor. The coarsely ground pepper gives the dish its signature kick.
• Pro Trick: For an extra glossy sauce, toss the chicken in a little oil before stir-frying. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents sticking.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with jasmine rice or garlic noodles for a complete meal.

Variations

• Spicy Black Pepper Chicken: What are some of the best recipes?Add sliced jalapeos or a dash of sriracha for more heat.
• Sweet and Spicy Black Pepper Chicken: What are some recipes for this? Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a sweet contrast to the spicy black pepper.
• What is Black Pepper Chicken with Cashews?Add roasted cashews for extra protein and crunch.
• Vegetarian Black Pepper Stir-Fry:Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms and double up on veggies for a plant-based option.
• What is Creamy Black Pepper Chicken?Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy version.
  

  What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

  How do I prepare black pepper chicken ahead of time?

  Can you prepare Black Pepper Chicken ahead of time? Can you marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator? When ready to cook, simply proceed with the stir-frying steps. Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

  What are some substitutions for black pepper chicken?

  If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce (equal parts) for a sweeter flavor or simply use extra soy sauce (1-2 tablespoons). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for extra juiciness, keeping the same weight (1 lb/450g). If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with 1 pound of firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.

  How do you know if a chicken is perfectly cooked in a stir fry?

  The chicken is perfectly cooked when it is no longer pink inside and has a golden brown exterior. Visually, the chicken pieces should be opaque throughout. Is it possible to check for doneness by cutting into a piece to ensure there’s no pink. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The texture will change from raw and soft to firm and slightly springy when pressed.

  How do I make Black Pepper Chicken?

  Can you double the recipe? When scaling up, you may need to cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking. If doubling, use a larger skillet or wok. The cooking time may slightly increase, so monitor the chicken and vegetables closely to prevent overcooking.

  What are the nutritional benefits of black pepper chicken?

  This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a good source of protein from the chicken and provides vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Chicken breast is a protein source, essential for muscle building and repair. Bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. The onion and garlic contribute to immune health. The dish provides a balanced meal when served with rice or noodles.