Description
This easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is inspired by Chinese takeout, featuring tender chicken bites coated in a rich, savory black pepper sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful homemade dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (1.1 lbs) skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- Salt, to taste
- 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 red or green chili, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the sauce:
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Make the sauce by whisking together black pepper, soy sauces, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Marinate the chicken with 1 tablespoon of the sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let rest while prepping veggies.
- Heat a pan, add 1 tablespoon oil, and cook chicken in a single layer until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and chili for 30 seconds.
- Add onion and bell pepper; stir fry over high heat until slightly charred but still crisp.
- Reduce heat, re-whisk sauce, pour into pan and let simmer for 30 seconds.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss until well coated and heated through.
- Turn off heat, sprinkle with fresh ground pepper, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip marinating the chicken — it ensures tenderness and flavor.
- Prepare all ingredients in advance for a smooth stir-fry process.
- Whisk the sauce again before using, as cornstarch may settle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 78mg