Black Pepper Chicken

Introduction

Indulge in the savory and peppery flavors of Black Pepper Chicken, a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with taste. This Chinese-inspired recipe combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful black pepper sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.

Why Make This Recipe

Black Pepper Chicken is a fantastic choice for a quick and satisfying meal. It requires simple ingredients that are readily available and can be prepared in no time. The bold flavors of black pepper, garlic, and ginger create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup Shaoxing Wine or sherry
• 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar (or 2 tablespoons Mirin)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• ½ lbs chicken breast cut into thin bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• Vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 red pepper or green bell pepper finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger paste
• 2 green onions sliced thin

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing Wine, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Marinate chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for 15-20 minutes.
3. Cook chicken in a skillet until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Saute onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger in the same skillet.
5. Whisk the sauce ingredients and pour into the skillet. Cook until thickened.
6. Add chicken and vegetables back to the skillet, warm through, and garnish with green onions.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Serve this flavorful dish hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with additional fresh black pepper and green onions for an extra kick of flavor.

How to Store Black Pepper Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Tips to Make Black Pepper Chicken

• Ensure the chicken is sliced thinly for quick and even cooking.
• Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your spice preferences.
• Use a high-quality soy sauce for enhanced flavor.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, substitute firm tofu or seitan for the chicken. You can also add in your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added texture and color.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?
   • Yes, you can use shrimp, beef, or tofu as a protein alternative.
2. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
   • Marinating the chicken helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.
3. Can I make this dish less spicy?
   • Adjust the amount of black pepper used or use white pepper for a milder flavor profile.