Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a classic Chinese takeout dish that’s easy to make at home, offering a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. This dish features tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and onions, all coated in a rich and peppery sauce. The key ingredient is freshly ground black pepper, which adds a distinctive heat and depth to the sauce. Quick to prepare, Black Pepper Chicken is perfect for a weeknight meal and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the Stir-Fry:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside for at least 15 minutes to marinate.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add Garlic and Black Pepper:
   • Add the minced garlic and freshly ground black pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Combine and Cook the Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
   • Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables.
6. Serve:
   • Transfer the black pepper chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions.
   • Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy your Black Pepper Chicken, a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home-cooked meal rotation!