This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a tasty dish that features juicy chicken pieces coated in a spicy black pepper sauce. It’s quick to make, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Tender and easy to cook, chicken breast is the star here. You can substitute it with chicken thighs for more flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetable Oil: This oil helps achieve the right cooking temperature. If you want a different flavor, try peanut or sesame oil instead. Both add a nice touch to stir-fries!
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper makes a big difference in flavor. If you don’t have a grinder, pre-ground pepper works too, but you’ll miss that extra kick! Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
Bell Pepper: While green bell pepper gives a slight bitterness, you can substitute it with red, yellow, or orange peppers for sweetness. Frozen bell peppers are also an option if fresh ones aren’t available.
Oyster Sauce: If you’re vegetarian or looking for a substitute, hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce can be used. These alternatives still offer that rich, umami flavor.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
A key step is cooking the chicken just right to avoid dryness. Start with medium-high heat and ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. Here are some important tips:
- Cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center (about 5-7 minutes).
Letting the chicken rest for a moment after cooking can keep it juicy too! Use your meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 75°C (165°F).
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying your tasty Easy Black Pepper Chicken in just about 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. This will create a nice hot surface for cooking your chicken.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the diced chicken to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. It should no longer be pink on the inside.
4. Stir in Veggies:
Now, toss in the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still a bit crisp.
5. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the freshly ground black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure the chicken and veggies are nicely coated with the delicious sauces.
6. Final Touches:
If you like a little heat, add the sliced red chilies now. Then, season with salt according to your taste. Let it cook for one more minute to let all the flavors combine beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Black Pepper Chicken is now ready! Serve it hot with rice or noodles, and enjoy your fantastic meal!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, bell peppers of different colors, or snap peas. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender without being overcooked.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as a sweet substitute or a mix of soy sauce and a dash of sugar for a similar flavor. Just keep in mind that this might alter the final taste slightly!
How to Store Leftovers Properly
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan over low heat or a microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
