There’s nothing like the smell of a home-cooked meal filling the air. It brings back memories of family dinners. If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, Black Pepper Chicken is perfect. This spicy chicken stir fry is a favorite in many homes, great for a weeknight dinner.
Imagine tender chicken in a savory, peppery sauce with fresh veggies. It’s a mix that will make your taste buds happy. This recipe celebrates Asian flavors and fits into your busy schedule, making homemade black pepper chicken a memorable dish.
Key Takeaways
- Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy evenings.
- This recipe combines tender chicken with a spicy pepper sauce for an irresistible meal.
- Making homemade black pepper chicken is simple enough for beginner cooks.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your choice of vegetables.
- This easy black pepper chicken recipe promotes healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
Introduction to Black Pepper Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken is a spicy Asian dish that many love. It’s known for its bold flavor, thanks to freshly ground black pepper. This ingredient makes the dish taste and smell amazing.
This dish comes from different Asian cuisines. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s great for any night. You can make it as a stir-fry and adjust it to fit your diet.
This dish is very flexible. You can change it by using different proteins or veggies. You can also make it spicier or milder. It’s perfect for any meal, whether you’re eating alone or with friends.
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
This easy black pepper chicken recipe will guide you through creating a delicious meal. It’s perfect for a midweek dinner or a weekend treat. Follow these straightforward steps to master the art of preparing this homemade black pepper chicken.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, sliced into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces
Marinade:
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
Stir Fry:
- 2 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Mix until chicken is coated. Marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, spread into a single layer, and sear until lightly browned. Flip and cook until browned but slightly pink inside. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir in ginger and garlic, then add onion and peppers. Cook for 20 seconds.
- Stir sauce mixture until cornstarch dissolves, then pour into the skillet. Cook until thickened. Add chicken back, stir to coat, and remove from heat.
- Transfer to a plate and serve hot as a main dish.
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Black Pepper Chicken
Serving black pepper chicken can make your meal more enjoyable. Try placing it over steamed jasmine rice. The rice will soak up the sauce, making each bite even better.
To add color and texture, mix in stir-fried vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas boost flavor and nutrition.
Another good choice is to serve it with egg noodles. The noodles will take in the flavors, making your dish even more delicious. A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds can finish it off beautifully.
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Colorful stir-fried vegetables
- Egg noodles
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for added crunch
These ideas will make your meal more satisfying and complete. Your chicken stir fry will be a hit with everyone.
Tips for Making Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Making easy black pepper chicken is a great way to enjoy tasty meals. Storing it right lets you enjoy leftovers and try new recipes. Learn how to keep your chicken fresh and get inspired with serving ideas.
Storing Leftovers
Keep your black pepper chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Refrigerate it within two hours to avoid spoilage. It stays good in the fridge for three to four days.
To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. Microwaving in short bursts helps heat spread evenly. On the stovetop, add broth or water to keep it moist. This way, your chicken stays tender and flavorful.
Serving Variations
Try different versions of black pepper chicken to match your taste. Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a new taste. Each choice adds a unique flavor, making meals exciting.
- Add seasonal veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for nutrition and color.
- Use whole grain rice or quinoa for a nutritious meal.
- Try different sauces, like sweet chili or teriyaki, for extra flavor.
These ideas help you make your black pepper chicken into many tasty dishes. You’ll reduce waste and enjoy more flavors.
Health Benefits of Black Pepper Chicken
Trying a healthy chicken recipe like black pepper chicken has many benefits. Black pepper is known for its strong antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help fight oxidative stress, improving overall health.
Adding lean chicken breast to your meals is great for getting protein. Protein is key for muscle repair and growth, helping your metabolism stay healthy. Black pepper not only adds flavor but may also boost your metabolism, making it a good choice for your diet.
How you cook your black pepper chicken is important for keeping it nutritious. Grilling or sautéing with little oil makes for a balanced meal. You can also use herbs and spices instead of salt or sugar, which is healthier.
Choosing a healthy chicken recipe like black pepper chicken combines tasty ingredients with health benefits. It’s a great way to make your meals both delicious and good for you. Try to include more of these health benefits in your daily meals.
Conclusion
The delicious black pepper chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick and easy to make. Plus, it adds a burst of flavor to your meals.
This chicken stir fry is very flexible. You can add your favorite veggies or proteins. This way, you can make it just how you like it.
Feel free to get creative in the kitchen. You can add spice or use seasonal ingredients. Try new things and make the dish your own. It’s rewarding to create such tasty food at home.
Start your cooking adventure with this easy black pepper chicken recipe. Remember, the kitchen is for trying new things and having fun. Share your creations with others. This way, you can build a community of people who love cooking as much as you do.
Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
Stir Fry:
- 2 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 white onion chopped
- 2 bell peppers chopped (mixed colors)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Mix until chicken is coated. Marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, spread into a single layer, and sear until lightly browned. Flip and cook until browned but slightly pink inside. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir in ginger and garlic, then add onion and peppers. Cook for 20 seconds.
- Stir sauce mixture until cornstarch dissolves, then pour into the skillet. Cook until thickened. Add chicken back, stir to coat, and remove from heat.
- Transfer to a plate and serve hot as a main dish.