Description
Spicy black pepper chicken brings bold flavors from Asian kitchens, delivering a perfect balance of heat and savory notes. Crispy tender chicken pieces dressed in rich pepper sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Marinade:
- 500 grams (1.1 pounds) skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt as needed
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 fresh red/green chili, chopped
Sauce & Cooking Oil:
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
Instructions
- Prepare a silky sauce by vigorously blending black pepper, soy sauces, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until achieving a uniform, glossy consistency.
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a portion of the sauce mixture, cornstarch, and salt. Allow protein to absorb flavors while prepping remaining ingredients.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Sear chicken in a single layer, ensuring each piece turns golden brown and cooks completely. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Using the same skillet, quickly sauté aromatic ginger, garlic, and chilies for approximately 30 seconds, releasing their intense fragrance. Incorporate onions and bell peppers, cooking until they reach a vibrant, crisp-tender texture.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, pour remaining sauce into the skillet and allow to simmer for 30 seconds, creating a glossy coating. Reintroduce chicken, gently tossing to warm through and evenly distribute sauce. Finish by generously sprinkling fresh cracked black pepper across the dish.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of black pepper and chilies for those who prefer milder or bolder flavors.
- Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, savory sauce profile.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without compromising the deep umami taste of the dish.
- Marinate chicken longer (up to 30 minutes) for more intense flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 308
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 76mg