Black Pepper Chicken
Introduction
About the Recipe
Black Pepper Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory black pepper sauce. This dish brings together aromatic spices and creates a restaurant-quality experience at home, requiring minimal effort and time to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Ingredients
– Chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) – 1 pound
– Yellow onion (cut into chunks) – 1 medium
– Red or green bell pepper (cut into chunks) – 1 large
– Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
– Ground ginger – 1 teaspoon
– Black pepper (freshly ground for maximum flavor) – 1 tablespoon
– Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons
– Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
– Dark soy sauce – 1 teaspoon
– Chicken stock (or water) – 1/4 cup
– Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry) – 1 tablespoon
– Vegetable oil – 2 to 3 tablespoons
For Garnishing
– Green onions (chopped, optional)
Prep Time
Time for Preparation
The preparation process for Black Pepper Chicken is quick and straightforward. Cutting the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces and preparing your seasoning and sauces should take approximately 15 minutes. Since the cleanup is minimal, this phase is perfect for a busy schedule.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time
The cooking process is fast-paced and should take around 12 minutes on medium-high heat, from sautéing the chicken and vegetables to combining them with the sauce.
Total Time
With preparation and cooking combined, you can expect to serve your Black Pepper Chicken in just under 30 minutes.
Yield
This recipe typically serves 2 to 4 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s versatile and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Enjoy this tasty and wholesome Black Pepper Chicken dish, packed with bold flavors and a touch of heat that captures the essence of this easy yet satisfying recipe!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and mix thoroughly.
3. Coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch.
Prepare the Vegetables
1. Slice the bell peppers, onion, and celery into similar bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Sauce
1. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
2. Add 1/3 cup of chicken broth and mix well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Cook the Chicken
1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, spread the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer.
3. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
4. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
1. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet.
2. Add the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Stir fry over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything
1. Return the chicken to the skillet.
2. Stir the sauce thoroughly and pour it into the skillet over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Mix everything quickly and stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the ingredients.
4. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve
1. Remove the skillet from heat.
2. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your preferred accompaniment.
Notes
On Chicken Selection
You can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Thighs will provide a juicier result.
Black Pepper Tips
For a more intense flavor, freshly grind whole black peppercorns instead of using pre-ground pepper.
Vegetable Substitutions
You can substitute the bell peppers or celery with other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or broccoli for variety.
Sauce Adjustments
Adjust the seasoning to taste; if you prefer a saltier dish, increase the soy sauce slightly.
Preparation Tip
Ensure all the ingredients are prepared before starting to cook, as stir fry dishes require quick cooking over high heat.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over medium heat before serving.
Cook techniques
Marinate the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and white pepper for added flavor and tenderness.
Prepare the Sauce
Mix a simple yet flavorful sauce combining soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, and chicken broth to finish off the dish.
Prepare the Vegetables
Use onion, celery, and bell peppers. Dice all evenly to ensure consistency and even cooking.
Velvet the Chicken
Coat marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch and fry in a hot skillet with oil until the pieces are crispy on the outside and cooked inside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Stir-fry the prepared onions, celery, and bell peppers quickly in a hot pan with oil to preserve their crunch and flavor.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Stir in the cooked chicken and sauce with vegetables, tossing quickly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
FAQ
What type of chicken should I use?
Chicken thighs or chicken breasts both work well. Thighs provide more flavor, while breasts are leaner.
Can I substitute Shaoxing wine?
If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, dry sherry or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes to achieve a similar flavor profile.
How do I make a gluten-free version?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini for variation.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce and vegetables in advance for quick assembly when ready to cook.
What is velvetting, and why is it important?
Velvetting involves coating the chicken with cornstarch and briefly frying it. This step ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
How spicy is black pepper chicken?
It has a mild heat from black pepper. Adjust the quantity of black pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, delicious, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a simple yet tasty meal. With a savory black pepper sauce and juicy, tender chicken, it offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it an excellent addition to your recipe collection. Whether paired with steamed rice or fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
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