This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and tasty dish that’s sure to impress! With juicy chicken pieces coated in a peppery sauce, it’s bursting with flavor.
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just stir-fry the chicken, toss in the sauce, and dinner is ready. Perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast works well in this recipe, but you can also use thighs for juicier results. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using tempeh or firm tofu, both of which absorb flavors nicely.
Soy Sauce: This adds a great depth of flavor. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos, which are both excellent alternatives.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds a unique umami flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider using mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce instead for a similar taste.
Black Pepper: Adjust it to your preference. If you want less heat, you can cut back on it or use white pepper as a milder alternative. Black pepper is key for the dish’s signature taste, so don’t skip it!
Vegetable Oil: I recommend using a neutral-flavored oil like canola, sunflower, or grapeseed. Olive oil should be avoided in higher heat frying as it may not hold up as well.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the chicken just right can make a big difference! Here are a few tips to ensure it’s perfectly cooked:
- Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Cook on medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause steaming instead of frying.
- Stir frequently to avoid burning and allow even browning.
- Check for doneness by cutting a piece open; it should be white all the way through with no pink. If you want to be precise, use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken.
With these tips, you’ll have tender and flavorful chicken every time!
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 500 grams chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2-3 red chilies, sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnishing:
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy black pepper chicken recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes marinating the chicken, and another 10-15 minutes cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to mix everything well so the chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors. Let the chicken marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for taste!
2. Heat Up the Skillet:
While the chicken is marinating, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to give the chicken a nice sear, so don’t rush this step!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned. Keep stirring so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, and red chilies (if you like it spicy) to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. The aroma will be amazing!
5. Adjust Seasoning:
Now it’s time to taste your dish. If you think it needs more flavor, feel free to add a bit more black pepper or salt. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your black pepper chicken with the chopped green onions. Serve it hot with steamed rice or noodles of your choice. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use beef, pork, or tofu instead of chicken. If you’re using beef or pork, slice them thinly to ensure they cook quickly. For tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, then cube and cook until golden before adding the sauces and vegetables.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red chilies or add some chili flakes while cooking. For a different kind of heat, you can also try adding a splash of sriracha or another hot sauce to the marinade.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, a mix of soy sauce and mushroom broth works well too for a similar umami flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
