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Black Pepper Chicken: A Bold and Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion

  • Author: Ashley
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Spice things up with this bold Black Pepper Chicken! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a savory black pepper sauce that’s both flavorful and aromatic. It’s a quick and delicious dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds): Chicken breast is lean and perfect for this dish. You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For pan-searing the chicken and giving it a crispy exterior.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: To season the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper: A crucial ingredient in this dish that will be used both for seasoning the chicken and in the sauce.

For the Black Pepper Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth of flavor and saltiness to the sauce. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds umami and richness to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a slight tanginess to balance the flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the heat.
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper: The star of the dish! Freshly ground pepper ensures maximum flavor and heat.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic savory flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: A subtle spice to complement the pepper’s heat.
  • ½ cup chicken broth: To create a smooth sauce that coats the chicken. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy finish.

Optional Garnishes and Add-ins:

  • Chopped green onions: For a fresh, crunchy garnish.
  • Sesame seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
  • Sliced chili peppers: For an extra kick if you prefer more heat.
  • Bell peppers, onions, or broccoli: If you want to add more vegetables to the dish for added nutrition and texture.

Instructions

First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper, making sure the chicken is well-coated.
  2. Slice the Chicken: Depending on how you plan to serve the chicken, you can either keep the breasts whole or slice them into bite-sized pieces. Cutting the chicken into strips or chunks will allow the black pepper sauce to coat the meat more evenly.

Second Step: COOK THE CHICKEN

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces (or whole breasts, if preferred) to the pan.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). If you’re using sliced pieces, make sure they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
  3. Remove and Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the black pepper sauce.

Third Step: MAKE THE BLACK PEPPER SAUCE

  1. Prepare the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, freshly ground black pepper, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and all the ingredients are combined.
  2. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a nice, glossy texture.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the same skillet or wok where the chicken was cooked. Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Fourth Step: COMBINE THE CHICKEN AND SAUCE

  1. Add the Chicken Back to the Pan: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is coated with the black pepper sauce, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or sliced chili peppers if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 30g

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Find it online: https://mydelightrecipes.com/black-pepper-chicken-a-bold-and-flavorful-dish-for-any-occasion/