Black Pepper Chicken is a pretty tasty stir-fry dish thats easy to make but packed with flavor. Soft chicken pieces get coated in a sauce with lots of black pepper and simple spices, giving it a spicy kick and an awesome smell. It actually came from parts of Asia, like China and Thailand, and each place made their own spin on it.
Cooks love it not just for the taste but cause its real versitile. You can swap things in and out to fit your diet or add more veggies for color and crunch. Youll see it in both home kitchens and small restaurants since it adapts to so many tastes.
In the next sections youll read about what goes into this dish, its nutrition, and how to make it step by step. Even if youre new to cooking, this recipe is simple enough to follow and’ll have you feelin like a chef.
What is Black Pepper Chicken?
Black Pepper Chicken is a stir-fry meal with tender chicken pieces smothered in a bold black pepper sauce. Other usual ingredients are garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, making a mix of savory and warming flavors. The chicken ends up juicy and the spices give it a nice bite.
Youll find different versions of this dish all over Asia. In Szechuan style they might add Szechuan peppercorns for that tingly feel, while Thai cooks sometimes toss in basil and chilies for extra heat and fragrance. Each version tastes a bit different cause of these tweaks.
It’s popular not just in Chinese and Thai spots but also in restos around the world. Because it tastes great and can be served with rice or noodles, its become a go-to for lots of people who like spicy, aromatic food.
Nutritional Profile of Black Pepper Chicken
The nutrition can change based on how you cook it and what you put in, but generally its a pretty balanced meal. Chicken is a lean protein that help build muscles and repair tissue. Black pepper isnt just for taste—it may help with digestion and has some anti-inflammatory perks.
If you add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli, you get extra fiber, vitamins, and a nice color boost. A usual serving of Black Pepper Chicken has around 300 to 400 calories. Youll get protein, some fats, and a bit of carbs, making it a solid choice for many diets.
If you need gluten-free or low-carb, just swap out soy sauce for a gluten-free version or skip any sugar in the sauce. That way you still get all the flavor without worrying about certain dietary needs.
Essential Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken
Getting the right ingredients is key to a great Black Pepper Chicken. Each item add its own thing to the final dish.
Proteins
The main star is chicken, usually breast or thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks quick, but thighs give a richer flavor cause of more fat. Pick whichever you like best.
Spices
Black pepper is the hero here. Freshly cracked is way better than pre-ground cause it tastes stronger. You’ll also need garlic and ginger to add depth and warmth, making the aroma really pop.
Vegetables
You can toss in veggies to pump up the nutrition and color. Common picks are:
- Bell peppers – add sweetness and crunch
- Onions – bring sweetness and extra flavor
- Broccoli – gives a healthy texture contrast
- Carrots – add color and a bit of sweetness
These veggies not only look good but also add extra vitamins and fiber.
Sauces
Sauces are what tie everything together. Soy sauce gives that umami and saltiness. Some people use oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for more layers of flavor and a hint of sweetness. Adjust amounts so it isnt too salty or too sweet.
Detailed Recipe for Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, cracked pepper, and optional oyster sauce. Let it sit for 30 minutes so it soaks up the flavors.
2. Prep Everything: While the chicken is marinating, chop your veggies and get garlic and ginger ready. Having all this prepped makes cooking go smooth.
3. Heat the Oil: Warm your wok or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Let it get hot but not smoking.
4. Cook the Chicken: Toss in the chicken, spread it out, and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until its cooked through and a bit browned. Then take it out and set aside.
5. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds, then add onion and bell pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes till they’re still a little crisp.
6. Combine: Put the chicken back in the pan and stir so it all mixes. Taste and add salt or more black pepper if you want more heat.
7. Serve: Move it to a serving dish, sprinkle spring onions on top, and serve with rice or noodles for a full meal.
Advice for Cooking and Serving
Serve this with steamed jasmine rice or extra veggies for side. A little drizzle of sesame oil or sprinkle of sesame seeds makes it look fancier and adds a nutty taste.
Black Pepper Chicken
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 frying pan or wok
- 1 wooden spatula
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- to taste salt
- 2 green onions chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and additional black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Mix everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
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