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Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe combines juicy, tender chicken pieces with the sharp kick of freshly cracked black pepper, creating a bold and flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or vegetables and is both family-friendly and wholesome.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 500g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, about 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)

Aromatics and Flavorings

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 12 green chilies, sliced (optional)
  • 23 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sauces and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (neutral flavor) for frying and stir-frying

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating. Toss the chicken in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to lightly coat each piece. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic, ginger, and sliced onions. Sauté until fragrant and onions turn translucent, forming a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot pan. Stir-fry continuously until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through, locking in juiciness and creating a delicious crust.
  4. Season with Black Pepper: Generously sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over the chicken, then pour in the soy sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pepper and sauce evenly coat all the pieces, infusing the dish with robust flavor.
  5. Add Fresh Touches: Stir in sliced green chilies if you prefer extra heat. Finish by adding chopped spring onions for freshness and a mild crunchy contrast to the peppery sauce. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for the most vibrant flavor instead of pre-ground pepper.
  • Marinate chicken briefly (10-15 minutes) in soy sauce and a pinch of pepper to enhance tenderness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and crispiness.
  • Balance the pepper’s heat with a small amount of sugar or honey if desired.
  • Serve immediately to keep chicken crispy and sauce fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Pepper Chicken, spicy chicken, quick chicken recipe, Asian chicken dish, stir-fry chicken, family-friendly dinner