This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a tasty dish packed with flavor! It’s made with tender chicken pieces, lots of black pepper, and a hint of soy sauce for a bit of zing.
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up! I often make it on busy nights when I just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with rice for a cozy meal! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: For this dish, chicken breast is a great choice for its lean protein. If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can use chicken thighs, which are juicier. Also, rotisserie chicken works well if you’re short on time.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth. If you’re watching your sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds a unique umami flavor. If you don’t have any, you can skip it or use hoisin sauce for a sweet twist. Just be aware that it will change the flavor slightly.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives the best flavor. If you find it too spicy, you can reduce the amount or switch to white pepper for a different taste.
Vegetable Oil: Choose any neutral oil like canola or even olive oil for cooking. I prefer using grapeseed oil for its high smoke point.
How Do I Get My Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
The secret to perfectly cooked chicken in this recipe lies in the marination and cooking time. Marinating the chicken with soy sauce and oyster sauce ensures it stays juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes; if you have more time, longer is better!
- Heat your pan until it’s hot before adding the chicken. This helps seal in the juices.
- Cook for around 5-7 minutes without stirring too much to allow browning.
- Check for doneness by cutting a piece in the middle; it should be no longer pink.
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, sliced (optional for heat)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. You’ll need at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, but this can be done ahead of time or while you prepare everything else. So in total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, freshly cracked black pepper, and sugar if you’d like a touch of sweetness. Mix everything well to coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all those lovely flavors!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir it around so it cooks evenly. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
3. Adding Vegetables:
Next, toss in the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender but still have a bit of crunch to them. This gives the dish that perfect texture!
4. Final Touches:
Now, add the minced garlic and sliced red chili if you want some heat. Stir everything together and cook for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Lastly, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt or more black pepper if you prefer.
5. Serve It Up:
Your Easy Black Pepper Chicken is ready! Serve it hot over some fluffy steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute the Chicken Breast with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or try tofu for a vegetarian version. If using tofu, press it to remove excess moisture and cut it into bite-sized pieces before marinating.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red chili or reduce the amount of black pepper. For extra heat, add more sliced red chili or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Make sure to check labels on your oyster sauce for gluten-containing ingredients, or use a gluten-free alternative if needed.
