This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick dish that’ll make your taste buds happy! With tender chicken pieces tossed in a zesty black pepper sauce, it’s bursting with flavor.
I love how fast it comes together—perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a delicious meal in no time. Your family will ask for seconds, and you’ll be all smiles! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken breast or thighs work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast is great. For a juicier, more flavorful dish, thighs are my personal favorite. You can also substitute with firm tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds the best flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance. If you want a milder flavor, white pepper can be used instead.
Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These sauces give an umami punch. If you’re gluten-free, look for tamari as a soy sauce substitute and skip the oyster sauce or opt for a mushroom oyster sauce. Homemade versions are tasty too!
Cornstarch: It helps thicken the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can also use all-purpose flour mixed with water for a similar effect!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
To keep the chicken tender, it’s important not to overcook it. Follow these tips:
- Use high heat to sear the chicken quickly, locking in moisture.
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Let the chicken sit in the pan until it turns white before stirring, allowing it to brown slightly.
Feel free to adjust cooking times based on your stovetop. Staying attentive here is key to keeping the chicken juicy!
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Vegetables and Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt, to taste
- Spring onions or chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time. So, in just about 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to create a lovely sizzle when you add the ingredients.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
3. Add Vegetables:
Next, toss in the sliced onions and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened and starting to get a bit of color.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn white and are nearly cooked through.
5. Add Black Pepper:
Sprinkle in the freshly cracked black pepper and stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
6. Pour in the Sauces:
Now it’s time to pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and either water or chicken stock. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
7. Simmer Everything:
Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes. This lets the chicken cook completely and the flavors blend beautifully.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens up to your liking.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your dish. Add salt if needed to enhance the flavors. Adjust the black pepper if you want it spicier!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped spring onions or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy Black Pepper Chicken dinner! 🥡
FAQ for Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on how long those vegetables take to soften.
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 for a hint of sweetness. Soy sauce alone will still taste great if you use a bit more!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Of course! If you enjoy spicy food, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance for a personalized kick!
