Black Pepper Chicken

This easy Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful dish with juicy tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich savory black pepper sauce. It comes together in no time and tastes even better than your usual Chinese restaurant takeout! It’s perfect for a one-pot meal and is naturally gluten-free adaptable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep time.

• Healthy: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, it’s a nutritious dinner option.

• Restaurant-quality: Homemade stir fry that rivals takeout, with less oil, sugar, and sodium.

• Customizable: Easily adjust the heat and veggies to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons minced ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1/2 cup snap peas

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a small bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Sauce
   In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Stir to combine and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Spread the chicken pieces evenly in the pan and let them sear for about 30 seconds before stirring. Once the surface is lightly browned but the inside is still pink, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Sauté Aromatics
   In the same skillet, add minced ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

5. Stir Fry the Vegetables
   Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, broccoli, and snap peas to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

6. Add the Sauce and Cook
   Pour in the prepared black pepper sauce and cook until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir the sauce to coat the vegetables evenly.

7. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
   Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.

8. Serve
   Serve the black pepper chicken hot, either by itself or over steamed rice (brown rice for a healthier option).

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced chili peppers to increase the heat.

• Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great for this recipe and provide a juicier result.

How do I make the chicken tender?

Marinating the chicken and allowing it to sear before stirring helps create tender and juicy pieces, just like a Chinese restaurant stir fry.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are preferred for this recipe, as they cook quicker and retain their crispness. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them before adding to the stir fry.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To make it spicier, add extra black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time.

Conclusion

This Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, easy, and delicious stir fry that will soon become a favorite in your dinner rotation. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich black pepper sauce, it’s a flavorful meal that’s healthier and better than takeout. Enjoy it on its own or paired with rice for a complete meal!