Description
This Black Pepper Chicken is a bold and savory Chinese-inspired stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with crisp bell peppers and onions, all coated in a fragrant, peppery sauce. It’s a quick, flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining the rich flavors of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces with fresh garlic, ginger, and freshly ground black pepper.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Stir-Fry
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Black Pepper Sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1–1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. This step tenderizes the meat and helps the sauce adhere better. Set it aside while preparing the rest.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), brown sugar, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch until smooth. This sauce will give the dish its characteristic peppery, savory flavor and nice thickness.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough for stir-frying but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp, maintaining their vibrant texture.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, carefully stirring to avoid burning.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared black pepper sauce and stir constantly while cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the black pepper chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best bold and fragrant flavor.
- Add chili flakes or fresh chili for extra heat if desired.
- You can substitute beef or tofu for the chicken, using the same sauce and cooking method.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave for convenient next-day meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
