This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is all about bold flavors and a quick cook time! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a tasty mix of black pepper, soy sauce, and garlic.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken breast works well too, just be careful not to overcook it as it can dry out.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the dish. If you need a lower-sodium option, go for low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Oyster Sauce: It brings a unique umami flavor. If you’re vegetarian or don’t have it on hand, feel free to use Hoisin sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce instead.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor. If it’s too spicy for your taste, you can reduce the amount or substitute with a milder spice like white pepper.
Vegetables: Green bell peppers are great, but you can swap for any other bell pepper or even snap peas for a different taste. They all add color and crunch!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
The key to juicy and perfectly cooked chicken is the marination and the cooking process. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and pepper, ensuring it’s well coated.
- When cooking, make sure the pan is hot! This helps to brown the chicken nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; caramelization happens better when there’s space. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook until golden brown, usually about 6-8 minutes, then let it rest briefly before adding to the vegetables. This keeps it juicy!
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 fresh red chili peppers, sliced (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Easy Black Pepper Chicken will take you about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need approximately 30 minutes, including a 30-minute marinating time for the chicken. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well until the chicken is coated. Allow it to marinate for about 30 minutes, so the flavors soak in.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s gorgeous golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, toss in the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they are slightly tender. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced red chili peppers (if you’re adding a bit of spice) to the pan. Stir it all together for one more minute until everything smells amazing!
4. Combine Chicken and Season:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing it with the veggies. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully. Taste your dish and add more salt or black pepper if you want to spice things up a bit!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. Serve your Easy Black Pepper Chicken hot with some steamed rice or fried rice. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs! Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time to about 5-7 minutes until they are no longer pink inside. They will still be delicious in this dish!
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce with a dash of sugar as a substitute. This will provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor, though the taste may vary slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
