Description
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breast strips stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and onions, flavored with freshly ground black pepper, soy sauce, and optional oyster sauce for a rich umami taste. Perfect for a quick and savory weeknight meal, it can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 piece bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 piece onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Other
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Heat the Oil and Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken strips are browned on the outside and cooked through completely.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced bell pepper and onion into the pan. Stir-fry together with the chicken for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while still retaining a crisp texture.
- Season with Black Pepper and Salt: Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the mixture and add salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the wok from heat and transfer the Black Pepper Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish generously with chopped green onions to add freshness and color.
- Optional Heat Enhancers: For an extra spicy kick, add sliced fresh chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the stir-frying process along with the vegetables.
- Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas during cooking to suit your taste and preferences.
- Serve: Serve this flavorful Black Pepper Chicken hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a hearty and delightful meal.
Notes
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and umami to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to your preferred spice level; freshly ground black pepper is best for flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it.
- Marinating the chicken helps tenderize it and enhances the flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles.
- You can add vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
- To make it spicier, incorporate fresh chili peppers or red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: black pepper chicken, stir fry chicken, Asian chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, juicy chicken breast recipe, easy stir fry
