Print This Recipe

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5 mm) thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (I used mixed colors)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
   In a medium-sized bowl, gather your chicken slices and introduce them to a mixture of light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Use your hands to gently massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated. Let this marinate rest for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and work their magic.

2. Step 2: Mix the Sauce
   Grab a small bowl and combine your sauce ingredients: chicken broth, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Give them a good stir until everything is well blended and the cornstarch is no longer a clumpy guest at your sauce party. Set it aside but keep it handy for later.

3. Step 3: Sear the Chicken
   Heat up 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Spread the marinated chicken into a single, even layer in the skillet. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, until the bottom takes on a lovely golden hue.

4. Step 4: Cook the Chicken
   Now flip those chicken pieces and let them continue their cooking journey for another 15 to 20 seconds, stirring occasionally. Aim for both sides to be browned while keeping the insides slightly pink. Once achieved, scoop the chicken onto a plate to wait for its grand finale.

5. Step 5: Stir Fry the Aromatics
   With your skillet still hot, introduce the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in minced ginger and garlic, giving them a quick twirl until they release that irresistible aroma.

6. Step 6: Add Vegetables
   Now, it’s time to invite the white onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir them around, keeping them company for about 20 seconds, just enough to start softening and brightening those colors.

7. Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
   Give your pre-mixed sauce another stir to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Pour it into the skillet, stirring swiftly with a spatula. Watch as it transforms into a glossy, thick sauce in a matter of seconds, just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

8. Step 8: Combine with Chicken
   Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the skillet, giving everything a good mix. Let those flavors merge, coating each piece with the savory, peppery sauce.

9. Step 9: Final Touches
   Turn off the heat and swiftly remove the skillet from the stove to prevent overcooking. Transfer everything to a large plate, allowing each component to shine without over-steaming in the pan’s residual heat.

10. Step 10: Serve with Style
    Present this delightful black pepper chicken hot, ready to be the star of your meal. Ideal as a main dish, it pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice or noodles to soak up all the saucy goodness. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Notes

Ah, the delightful Black Pepper Chicken! A dish that's as rewarding to prepare as it is to devour. But, some common pitfalls could trip you up.

Firstly, overcrowding the pan is a classic blunder. Layering too much chicken will steam rather than sear it, preventing that beautiful golden brown crust. Ensure the chicken pieces have breathing space.

Watch out for the sauce. Cornstarch can clump if not mixed thoroughly with the other ingredients. A lumpy sauce won't do justice to your meal. Stir it well to achieve that silky finish.

Lastly, timing is key. Overcooking the chicken can make it tough. Remember, the chicken should just have a hint of pink before you add it back to the skillet.

With these tips, your Black Pepper Chicken will shine every time. Happy cooking!

Keywords: Pepper Chicken Dish, Spicy Black Pepper Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken Meal, Chicken with Black Pepper, Peppery Chicken Recipe