Description
Savor the zesty allure of black pepper chicken, a spicy sensation that dances across your palate with bold, aromatic charm. Culinary enthusiasts will find this dish an irresistible journey through layers of peppery heat and succulent chicken perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
Cooking and Thickening Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Tenderize the protein by whisking soy sauce and cornstarch into chicken, allowing flavors to meld and penetrate for quarter hour.
- Craft a harmonious sauce by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth in a separate vessel.
- Ignite a large skillet with vegetable oil over robust heat, creating a sizzling surface for protein transformation.
- Introduce marinated chicken to the hot landscape, searing until golden edges emerge and interior reaches perfect doneness, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Extract cooked chicken, reserving its caramelized essence in the pan.
- Replenish skillet with additional oil if necessary, then usher onions and bell peppers into a vibrant dance, maintaining crisp texture through brief 3-4 minute sauté.
- Infuse aromatic garlic, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the vegetable medley with quick 30-second stirring.
- Reunite chicken with vegetable ensemble, cascading prepared sauce across the skillet.
- Generously pepper the mixture, ensuring even distribution of robust flavor throughout the dish.
- Incorporate cornstarch slurry, stimulating sauce to thicken and embrace ingredients within its glossy embrace.
- Optional: Crown the creation with a delicate drizzle of sesame oil, elevating the dish’s complexity with a final, fragrant toss.
Notes
- Carefully choose high-quality chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Marinate the chicken for no more than 15 minutes to prevent the meat from becoming too salty or tough.
- Ensure the wok or skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent sticking.
- Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version if watching salt intake.
- For a gluten-free adaptation, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Add extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to increase nutritional value and texture variety.
- Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg