Let me tell you, black pepper chicken is one of those dishes that has a special place in my heart. It’s so simple yet bursting with flavor, making it my go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the delicious aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through the kitchen as it cooks away! The best part? You can whip this up in just about 35 minutes, with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s a fantastic meal that not only satisfies your cravings but also leaves you feeling good about what you’ve eaten. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got yourself a delightful dinner that everyone will love. Seriously, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
For this scrumptious black pepper chicken, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 pounds chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- 2 tablespoons black pepper: Adjust to your taste for that perfect kick!
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing; you want something neutral.
- 1 onion: Chopped to bring sweetness and texture.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for aromatic goodness.
- 1 tablespoon ginger: Minced, for that zesty zing.
- 1 bell pepper: Sliced, for color and crunch.
- Salt: To taste, so don’t forget to season!
How to Prepare Black Pepper Chicken
Now let’s get cooking! This black pepper chicken comes together in a flash, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is. Here’s how to do it:
- First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken—about 2 minutes should do the trick.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté everything for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Now, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on all sides.
- Once the chicken is golden, it’s time to sprinkle in the black pepper and drizzle the soy sauce over everything. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Finally, add the sliced bell pepper and season with salt to taste. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the bell pepper is slightly tender but still crisp.
- Serve your delicious black pepper chicken hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold flavors from black pepper, garlic, and ginger that pack a punch!
- Healthy and satisfying, with lean protein and colorful veggies.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
- Adjustable spice levels make it family-friendly for all taste preferences.
Tips for Success
To make sure your black pepper chicken turns out absolutely delicious, here are some pro tips that I swear by:
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have a little time, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. It really enhances the flavor!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in taste compared to dried. Trust me, you’ll notice the freshness!
- Adjust the Heat: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount of black pepper. If you love spice, go for it, but if you prefer it milder, start with less.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and chicken in advance so you can get cooking quickly. It’ll make the process feel seamless!
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the chicken and bell pepper. You want the chicken juicy and the bell pepper crisp, not mushy!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk numbers! This black pepper chicken is not only delicious but also packed with good nutrition. Each serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 40g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. It’s a fantastic option for a hearty meal that won’t weigh you down. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
FAQ Section
Got questions about black pepper chicken? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, beef, or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein source. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What can I serve with black pepper chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, noodles, or even a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, then stir-fry when you’re ready to eat. Just keep everything stored in the fridge until it’s time to cook.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this black pepper chicken is a gluten-free delight!
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is adjustable! Start with less black pepper if you prefer milder flavors, and add more as you go to suit your taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover black pepper chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through—this usually takes about 5–7 minutes. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat, but I recommend doing it in short intervals to avoid drying it out. Enjoy it just like you did the first time!
Variations
If you want to shake things up a bit, there are plenty of delicious variations to try with your black pepper chicken! You can add in some vibrant vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with spices too! A dash of sesame oil can add a lovely depth of flavor, or you could toss in some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
To make your black pepper chicken meal truly complete, I love serving it alongside a fluffy bowl of jasmine rice or some hearty noodles. They soak up all those delicious flavors beautifully! You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a pop of color and crunch. A fresh cucumber salad with a tangy dressing is a refreshing touch too. Trust me, these pairings will take your dinner to the next level!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a tasty side dish, consider making honey-glazed carrots to complement your meal.
If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of black pepper, you can read about it here.
Print
Black Pepper Chicken: 5 Bold Flavors You’ll Crave
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful dish featuring chicken cooked with black pepper and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add black pepper, soy sauce, and bell pepper; stir well.
- Season with salt and cook until chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: black pepper chicken, stir fry chicken, easy chicken recipes