Introduction
Indulge in the bold flavors of our Black Pepper Chicken, a dish that promises to delight your taste buds with its robust seasoning and tender chicken pieces. This recipe brings together the aromatic essence of freshly ground black pepper with a mix of soy and oyster sauces to create a perfectly balanced dish that’s both spicy and sweet. Ideal for a quick dinner or a flavorful meal prep, this dish is not just delicious but also easy to prepare.
Ingredients
To whip up this savory dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt, to taste
These ingredients are readily available and combine to create a dish that is rich in flavors and textures, making every bite a delightful experience.
Directions and Preparation Method
Follow these simple steps to create your Black Pepper Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes or until it’s nicely browned. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and have softened.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and add honey, stirring well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sauce. Sprinkle in the remaining black pepper and adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. Allow the dish to simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Dish out the hot Black Pepper Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside noodles to enjoy a fulfilling meal.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
- What can I substitute for oyster sauce? If oyster sauce is not available, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar as a substitute.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or substitute it with tamari.
- How can I make this dish spicier? For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Snow peas, carrots, or broccoli make great additions to this dish. Add them when sautéing the other vegetables.
Conclusion
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe not only satisfies your cravings for something spicy and flavorful but also provides a comforting meal that can be prepared in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treating yourself to a delightful dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the succulent pieces of chicken with a peppery twist that will surely keep you coming back for more.