Get ready to transform your kitchen into a sizzling Chinese restaurant with this mouthwatering Black Pepper Chicken recipe that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's packed with bold, peppery flavors and tender, juicy chicken that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe promises to deliver an explosion of taste that will elevate your weeknight dinner game to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly and let marinate for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding ingredients to achieve proper searing.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Pour remaining soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle remaining black pepper and toss everything together to ensure even coating.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with additional fresh ground black pepper if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Best enjoyed immediately while the chicken is still juicy and vegetables are crisp.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10 minutes allow the chicken to absorb the flavors deeply, ensuring each bite is packed with taste.
- Hot Wok, Happy Cook: Make sure your wok or skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients. This ensures beautiful golden-brown searing and prevents soggy chicken.
- Prep Like a Pro: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves quickly, so mise en place is crucial.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in a single layer to achieve that perfect crispy exterior. Overcrowding will steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Fresh Black Pepper Makes a Difference: Use freshly ground black pepper for the most intense, aromatic flavor. Pre-ground pepper can taste stale and flat.
- Vegetable Crispness: Stir-fry vegetables just until they're slightly tender to maintain their crunch and vibrant color.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the wok to the plate, to preserve the chicken's juiciness and vegetables' texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 302kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 90mg
