Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my pepper chicken! This dish is a flavor explosion just waiting to happen. The combination of juicy chicken with a spicy kick from black pepper is absolutely irresistible. And the best part? It comes together in about 35 minutes! I can’t count how many times this has saved me on busy weeknights when I need something quick but satisfying. It’s also a family favorite—whenever I make it, the house fills with that mouth-watering aroma, and everyone gathers around the table, eager to dig in. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen too!
Ingredients
- 500g chicken, diced
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to Prepare Pepper Chicken
Alright, let’s get cooking! This pepper chicken is super easy to whip up, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, spicy meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat that lovely tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, so the chicken sizzles when it hits the pan.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. Oh, the smell is already heavenly!
- Now, add the diced chicken to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You want it to be nice and juicy!
- Next, stir in the sliced bell pepper and the generous dose of black pepper. This is where the magic happens! Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper softens a bit but still has a lovely crunch.
- Finally, drizzle in the soy sauce and sprinkle salt to taste. Give it a good stir and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This is where all those flavors meld together beautifully.
- And there you have it! Serve your pepper chicken hot, and watch it disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Bold, flavorful taste with that spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Versatile! You can easily add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or carrots for extra nutrition.
- One-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- A family favorite that brings everyone together around the table.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy it as leftovers for lunch the next day!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this pepper chicken! It’s always good to know what you’re putting in your body, right? Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 40g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the brands of ingredients you use. But overall, this dish is a fantastic source of protein with a nice balance of flavors—perfect for a hearty meal!
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s make sure your pepper chicken turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips for success:
- Don’t skimp on the black pepper: This dish is all about that spicy kick, so make sure you’re generous with the black pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, try freshly cracked pepper for an extra punch!
- Cut chicken evenly: Dicing your chicken into uniform pieces helps it cook evenly. No one likes a dry piece of chicken hiding in a sea of juicy goodness!
- Watch the heat: Medium heat is your friend here! Too high, and you might burn the garlic and onions before they get a chance to release their fabulous flavors.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your pan is too full, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if you need to, and give each piece some space to shine!
- Adjust to your taste: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and salt based on your preference. You can always add more at the end, but it’s tough to take it away once it’s in!
- Let it rest: After cooking, let your pepper chicken sit for a minute before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite even more flavorful.
- Experiment with veggies: Don’t hesitate to toss in some broccoli, carrots, or snap peas! They add crunch and color, plus a little extra nutrition!
And there you have it! Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making a pepper chicken dish that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many delicious ways to switch up your pepper chicken! Here are some of my favorite variations that will keep your taste buds excited:
- Protein Swap: Don’t limit yourself to just chicken! Try using shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different twist. Each protein brings its own unique flavor and texture.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some colorful veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or even zucchini. They not only add nutrients but also make the dish more vibrant and crunchy!
- Spicy Upgrade: If you like it really spicy, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes. That extra heat will take your dish to a whole new level!
- Sweet and Spicy: For a sweet twist, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the mix. It complements the pepper perfectly and creates a delightful balance.
- Curry Flavor: Add a tablespoon of curry powder for an Indian-inspired version that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a game changer and adds a warm, aromatic touch.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley. Stir them in at the end for a fresh, herbal note that brightens everything up.
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to get creative and make this pepper chicken your own. Trust me, the options are endless, and you’ll never get bored with this dish!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious pepper chicken ready to go, let’s talk about how to serve it for the ultimate meal experience! Trust me, the right accompaniments can take this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
First up, I highly recommend serving it with a steaming bowl of fluffy rice. The rice soaks up all those spicy, savory juices, making every bite a delight! Whether you choose white rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice, it’s a match made in heaven.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try pairing it with some noodles! Stir-fried noodles or even simple egg noodles are fantastic options. Toss them in a little extra soy sauce or sesame oil for added flavor, and you’ve got a winning combination!
Don’t forget about veggies! A side of sautéed or steamed vegetables, like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas, adds a nice crunch and a pop of color to your plate. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
And here’s a fun idea: serve your pepper chicken in lettuce wraps for a fresh, light meal. Just scoop the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves, add some sliced cucumbers or carrots, and drizzle with a bit of extra soy sauce for a refreshing twist!
So, there you have it! Whether it’s rice, noodles, or a fresh veggie side, these serving suggestions will elevate your pepper chicken and make for a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk leftovers! If you happen to have any pepper chicken left (which I doubt, but just in case!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep all that deliciousness intact. Here’s how I do it:
First, let your pepper chicken cool down to room temperature. You don’t want to trap steam in your storage container, as that can make things soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from sneaking in.
You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it with the date, so you remember when it was made! If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It freezes beautifully! Just pack it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and it should be good for about 2 months.
Now, when it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. For the best results, I recommend reheating in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce to keep things moist, and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll retain that fantastic texture and flavor!
If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave, but make sure to cover it to avoid splatter! Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to get it warmed evenly. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might end up with dry chicken.
And there you have it! Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to savor your pepper chicken just as much the second time around! Happy eating!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this collection!
To learn more about the health benefits of black pepper, visit Healthline.
For tips on meal prep, explore Eatwell101.
Print
Pepper Chicken: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Make It Today
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish made with chicken and pepper, offering a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken, diced
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in bell pepper and black pepper.
- Add soy sauce and salt, cook for 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust pepper to your spice preference.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
- Can add vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pepper chicken, spicy chicken, stir fry chicken
