This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a tasty and simple dish perfect for dinner! With juicy chicken cooked in a flavorful black pepper sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!
I love how quick this meal is to throw together. Just stir-fry the chicken, add in some veggies, and you’re good to go! Who doesn’t love dinner ready in a flash? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless thighs are juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts are a great option if you prefer lean meat. You can use whatever you have on hand, even leftover cooked chicken, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives a bold taste. If you’re unsure about the spice level, start with half the amount and add more later. For a milder option, you could try white pepper.
Vegetable Oil: Use any neutral oil for stir-frying, like canola or grapeseed. If you want a hint of flavor, sesame oil adds a nice touch, but use it sparingly as it has a strong taste.
Oyster Sauce: While it adds depth, you can skip it or use a vegetarian stir-fry sauce if needed. Soy sauce alone will still give great flavor!
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken in a Stir-Fry?
Cooking chicken in a stir-fry can be quick, but the key is to avoid overcooking. Start by slicing chicken into even pieces – this ensures they cook at the same rate. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use high heat for quick cooking and to get a nice sear on the outside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches to keep the heat high.
- Keep stirring to cook evenly and prevent burning. Aim for a golden color on the outside while ensuring it’s cooked through.
With these tips, your chicken will come out tender and flavorful every time! Enjoy making your Easy Black Pepper Chicken!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Dish:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- 100 ml (about 1/3 cup) chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Spring onions or chopped cilantro for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying this meal in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get a good sizzle!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent. This step really enhances the flavor!
3. Add the Bell Pepper:
Next, toss in the sliced bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until it’s slightly softened. This adds color and sweetness to the dish.
4. Stir-Fry the Chicken:
Now, increase the heat to high and add the chicken pieces. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through and starting to brown. Keep stirring to cook evenly!
5. Add Black Pepper:
Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the chicken. Stir well to coat it evenly. The pepper will give it a nice kick!
6. Mix in the Sauces:
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and salt. Stir everything together to combine the flavors beautifully.
7. Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth or water, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step will help to meld all those fabulous flavors together.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
If you want a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and stir while cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens up just right.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt or pepper can really elevate the flavor!
10. Serve and Garnish:
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped spring onions or cilantro. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a delightful meal!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy black pepper chicken dinner! It’s bound to become a favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly: shrimp cooks quickly, while beef might need a few extra minutes depending on the cut. Make sure whatever protein you choose is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! You can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. The soy sauce will still provide plenty of flavor. Alternatively, a little hoisin sauce or a splash of fish sauce can be used as substitutions to add depth to the dish.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Of course! To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers or red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also increase the amount of ground black pepper if you enjoy that spicy kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy it over fresh rice or noodles for a quick second meal!
