This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and tasty stir-fry. With juicy chicken pieces and a kick of black pepper, it’s sure to be a winner at dinner!
I love how it only takes a few ingredients and about 30 minutes to make. Perfect for those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore. You’ll feel like a superstar chef in no time! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, but you can use chicken breasts if you like leaner meat. Tofu or mushrooms are great vegetarian substitutes, providing a nice texture and can absorb flavors well.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor. If you have a pepper grinder, use it! For a milder taste, try using white pepper instead.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a unique umami flavor, but you can leave it out for a lighter sauce or substitute with Hoisin sauce if you want something sweeter. A splash of soy sauce can also work in a pinch.
Vegetable Oil: While I use vegetable oil, you can use canola or peanut oil. For a healthier option, olive oil works too, though it has a distinct flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
This is crucial for a good stir-fry! Here’s how to cook the chicken perfectly:
- Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the oil until it shimmers, then add chicken in a single layer to avoid steaming.
- Cook without stirring for a few minutes to develop a nice brown sear, then stir to finish cooking.
- Check for doneness by cutting a piece – it should be opaque and juices run clear.
Following these steps will help you achieve juicy and flavorful chicken every time. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
2. Sauté the Onions:
Add the sliced onions into the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent. This will add a lovely sweetness and flavor to the dish.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. You want to release that wonderful garlic aroma!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked all the way through, which should take about 7-10 minutes.
5. Season with Pepper:
Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the chicken. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly with that spicy flavor!
6. Add Sauces:
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly so that the chicken gets all that delicious sauce.
7. Simmer:
Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will help combine all the flavors.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. This should only take a minute or two.
9. Final Seasoning:
Give it a taste! Add salt if necessary and adjust the black pepper according to how spicy you want it.
10. Garnish:
Remove the pan from heat and garnish the dish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of color!
11. Serve:
Enjoy your hot and tasty Easy Black Pepper Chicken served over steamed rice or noodles. It’s perfect for sharing or a quick solo meal!
Bon Appétit! Enjoy every bite of your flavorful dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by submerging it in cold water in a sealed plastic bag. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly thawed for even cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari. For a lighter flavor, coconut aminos are another great alternative. If you can’t have soy sauce at all, consider using a mix of vinegar and a bit of salt for acidity and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
What Should I Serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a simple green salad. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal!
