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Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken
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Black Pepper Chicken is a bold and spicy dish featuring tender chicken pieces infused with freshly cracked black pepper and a savory, perfectly balanced sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and protein-packed meal is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Customize with vegetables or spice levels to your preference and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish made right at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons freshly crushed black peppercorns (divided)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1–2 green chilies or 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 spring onions (scallions), chopped for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the garlic and onions. Coarsely crush fresh black peppercorns to release their aromatic flavor, ensuring every bite is delicious and evenly flavored.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and half of the crushed black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors deeply.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken turns golden and is thoroughly cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic, onions, and optional green chilies or bell peppers until fragrant and softened. This step introduces sweetness and depth to balance the peppery heat.
  5. Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add oyster sauce, the remaining crushed black pepper, and the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water). Stir continuously and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces evenly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped spring onions over the dish for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred side for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Black Pepper: Grinding black pepper fresh significantly enhances aroma and flavor.
  • Marinate Properly: Allow sufficient marination time for deeper, richer flavor.
  • High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying on high heat helps seal juices and develop a caramelized crust.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of black pepper and chilies to suit your preferred heat intensity.
  • Don’t Skip Cornstarch: It creates a glossy, clinging sauce perfect for coating the chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: black pepper chicken, spicy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, Asian chicken stir-fry, protein-packed chicken

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/black-pepper-chicken/