Easy Black Pepper Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
500 grams or 1.1 lbs skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
02 -
2 tablespoons peanut oil
03 -
Salt, as required
04 -
2 medium-sized onions, cut into 1-inch cubes
05 -
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
06 -
½ teaspoon minced garlic
07 -
½ teaspoon minced ginger
08 -
1 fresh red or green chili, chopped
09 -
2 tablespoons cornstarch
10 -
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Sauce
11 -
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 -
3 tablespoons light soy sauce
13 -
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
14 -
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
15 -
½ teaspoon brown sugar
16 -
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
17 -
1 teaspoon cornstarch
18 -
2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
# Instructions:
01 -
Whisk together the freshly ground black pepper, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and water in a bowl until smooth.
02 -
Coat the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and salt. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables and aromatics.
03 -
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil and tilt the pan to distribute the oil evenly. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden on the bottom. Flip the chicken cubes and cook until browned and almost cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
04 -
In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil. Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped chili. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add the onion and bell pepper cubes. Stir-fry over high heat until the vegetables are crisp but tender.
05 -
Reduce the heat to low. Re-whisk the prepared sauce and pour it into the pan. Simmer for 30 seconds, then add the cooked chicken and toss until warmed through and coated with the sauce.
06 -
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with additional freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and serve hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Prepare all ingredients in advance, as stir-frying is a fast process.
02 -
Use freshly ground black pepper for a robust flavor.
03 -
Do not skip the marinating step, as it ensures tender and flavorful chicken.
04 -
Use the marinating time to prepare vegetables, aromatics, and sauce.
05 -
Always whisk the sauce just before adding it to the pan, as cornstarch may settle.