Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: black pepper chicken! It’s this amazing combination of tender chicken and a spicy black pepper sauce that just packs a punch. The moment you take a bite, you’re hit with this warm, zesty flavor that makes everything feel right in the world. I love making this dish because it’s not just delicious; it’s super quick to whip up on a busy weeknight or even for a special dinner. Plus, the aroma of garlic and ginger sizzling in the pan? Wow! It’s like a hug in the kitchen. Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. It’s definitely a go-to in my home for a reason!
Ingredients List
To make this flavorful black pepper chicken, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly cracked for that extra kick
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, to add that savory depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for aromatic goodness
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced to give it a zesty flair
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, perfect for stir-frying
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you love!)
- 1 onion, sliced for sweetness and texture
- Salt, to taste, because we want everything to shine!
These ingredients create a vibrant, delicious dish that’s not only satisfying but also super easy to prepare!
How to Prepare Black Pepper Chicken
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing your black pepper chicken! This dish is all about quick, delicious steps that come together in no time. Follow along, and you’ll have a scrumptious meal ready in just about 35 minutes!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab your favorite skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Medium heat is key here; it ensures that the oil gets hot enough to help the chicken brown nicely without burning the ingredients. You want that perfect sizzle!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once your oil is shimmering, it’s time to add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Oh, the smell! It’s like an instant flavor booster. Just be careful not to let them burn—keep that stirring going, and let those aromatic oils work their wonders!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now, toss in your diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5–7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. You want it to be golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. Stir occasionally to make sure every piece gets that lovely color and flavor. Trust me, this step is crucial!
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Next, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in the freshly cracked black pepper, soy sauce, sliced bell pepper, and onion. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften and soak up all those delicious flavors. You’ll see the colors pop, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Finally, taste your masterpiece and season with salt to your liking. This little step makes all the difference! Give everything a good stir, letting those flavors meld together for a minute longer. And just like that, your black pepper chicken is ready to serve! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bold flavors from the black pepper and garlic that make your taste buds dance.
- Healthy option with lean chicken and fresh veggies.
- Customizable! Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- A satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
To make your black pepper chicken truly shine, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, don’t be shy with the black pepper; if you love heat, feel free to add a bit more! I also recommend using fresh black peppercorns and cracking them just before use for maximum flavor. When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan—this allows for that beautiful browning and keeps it juicy. If you like your veggies a bit more tender, you can sauté them longer. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust seasoning to your preference for the best results.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving of this delicious black pepper chicken. Each serving contains around 350 calories, with 10g of fat, 30g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this tasty dish guilt-free!
FAQ Section
I often get questions about black pepper chicken, so let’s tackle a few common ones! First up, can you switch up the protein? Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, tofu, or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What about the spice level? If you’re not a huge fan of heat, feel free to dial back the black pepper to suit your taste. You can always start with less and add more as it cooks—you’ll find your perfect balance!
How should I serve it? I love pairing black pepper chicken with fluffy rice or stir-fried noodles, but it’s also delicious on its own with a side of steamed veggies. And don’t forget to garnish with some fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor!
If you have any other questions, just ask! This dish is all about making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store your black pepper chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick option—just make sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy that deliciousness all over again!
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Black Pepper Chicken: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave This Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a spicy black pepper sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in black pepper, soy sauce, bell pepper, and onion.
- Cook until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt to taste.
Notes
- Serve with rice or noodles.
- Adjust pepper to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: black pepper chicken, chicken recipe, stir fry chicken
