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Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 87 reviews

Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated with freshly ground black pepper and cooked with crisp bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy-oyster sauce blend. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of spice and umami, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Stir-Fry Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Thickening Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

  • Green onions for garnish, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until browned but not fully cooked. Then remove and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, providing a fresh texture to the dish.
  4. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and flavor.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauces: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the savory sauce mixture.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, ensuring a glossy coating on the chicken and vegetables.
  7. Finish Cooking: Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 5 more minutes, making sure flavors meld perfectly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • This dish goes well served over steamed rice for a complete meal.
  • Adjust the level of black pepper to suit your spice preference.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil before serving.
  • You can substitute red or yellow bell peppers for a more colorful dish.
  • It’s important not to overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken to ensure proper searing and caramelization.

Keywords: black pepper chicken, stir-fry chicken, Chinese chicken recipe, spicy chicken dish, quick chicken dinner