Introduction
When it comes to takeout, Black Pepper Chicken is often a favorite. This homemade version is even better, combining the bold flavors of black pepper, garlic, ginger, and savory sauce with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. The best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve this flavorful dish over white rice, brown rice, or Chinese noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty Black Pepper Chicken at home.
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Black Pepper Sauce
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine or sherry
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar or 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
For the Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry
- 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into thin bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper or green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger paste
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper. Set the bowl aside. This will be your savory and slightly sweet black pepper sauce.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken rest and marinate for 15-20 minutes. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, flipping once to brown the other side. Work in batches if necessary, removing the cooked chicken to a plate as you go.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add a little more vegetable oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for several minutes until they are crisp-tender. Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously for 1 minute. Remove the cooked vegetables to a plate.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Reduce the heat to medium. Whisk the sauce ingredients once more and pour the sauce into the skillet. Cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, stirring several times. Add the chicken and the vegetables back to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Black Pepper Chicken
Tip 1: Uniform Chicken Pieces
Cut the chicken breast into small, thin bite-sized uniform pieces. This ensures that they cook quickly and evenly.
Tip 2: Substitutions
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. They add a bit more flavor and stay moist during cooking.
Tip 3: Bell Peppers Variety
Use any colored bell peppers you like. Green peppers, red peppers, orange peppers, and yellow peppers all work well, providing great flavor and texture.
Tip 4: Ginger Options
Ginger paste works just as well as fresh ginger, and it lasts about 1 month when stored in the fridge after opening.
Tip 5: Add More Vegetables
Try adding a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, and baby corn. These additions can enhance the nutritional value and texture of the dish.
Tip 6: Serve Immediately
This dish is best served immediately while the vegetables are still crisp-tender and the chicken is warm.
Tip 7: Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power to prevent overcooking the chicken and vegetables.
FAQs
What is Black Pepper Chicken?
Black Pepper Chicken is a popular Chinese dish featuring tender chicken stir-fried with vegetables in a savory black pepper sauce. The sauce is made with a blend of soy sauce, chicken broth, and freshly ground black pepper, giving it a distinctive and flavorful kick.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during cooking, making them an excellent alternative.
What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
Black Pepper Chicken pairs well with white rice, brown rice, or Chinese noodles. These options help to soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave at reduced power to avoid overcooking the chicken and vegetables.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, and baby corn. These additions can enhance both the nutritional value and texture of the dish.
Is it necessary to use Shaoxing wine?
Shaoxing wine adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can use dry sherry as a substitute. If you prefer to avoid alcohol altogether, you can increase the amount of chicken broth and add a splash of rice vinegar for a similar effect.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly. Mix an additional 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce, cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While Black Pepper Chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the instructions for cooking the chicken and vegetables, then combine everything with the pre-made sauce.
This tasty Black Pepper Chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite, delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Enjoy making and sharing this dish with your loved ones!