This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. With tender chicken and a kick from black pepper, it packs a flavorful punch!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for tenderness. If you’re looking for a budget option, chicken thighs work great too! They’re juicier and add more flavor.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives great flavor, but if you’re avoiding sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free version, tamari is a good substitute.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich umami flavor. If you don’t have it, you can replace it with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness.
Cornstarch: It helps in creating a nice coating for the chicken. If you’re looking for alternatives, arrowroot powder or flour can work, but cornstarch is my favorite for that crispy texture.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is neutral, feel free to use peanut oil for a hint of flavor or sesame oil for a nutty twist. Just remember sesame oil has a strong taste, so use it sparingly.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right! Start by marinating the chicken well. Allow it to soak up the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. This will add flavor and keep it moist.
- Marinate for at least 15-30 minutes; longer if you have time.
- Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches if needed to keep the heat high.
- Cook until no longer pink inside—check the thickest part of the chicken to be sure.
Following these steps will ensure your chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), cut into chunks
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-30 minutes for marinating the chicken, plus an additional 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you will spend around 30-45 minutes to enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken is nicely coated. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for later.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. This will add some nice color and sweetness to your dish.
4. Add Garlic and Combine:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for another minute until it becomes fragrant. This is when the kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Bring It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Then, sprinkle in the freshly ground black pepper and add chili sauce if you like some heat. Stir everything together so that all the ingredients are well combined. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
6. Final Cooking:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will let the flavors meld beautifully and give your dish a nice finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your Easy Black Pepper Chicken with sliced red chilies for a pop of color. Serve it hot over steamed rice or with your favorite side dish, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces like you would with the breast, and cook them for a similar amount of time until they are fully cooked through.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. Check the labels for the best results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
What Can I Use Instead of Black Pepper?
If you need a substitution, you can use white pepper for a milder flavor or even cayenne pepper for a bit more heat. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as the heat levels can vary with different pepper types!
