Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a bold, peppery sauce and fresh vegetables. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, making it an ideal meal to enjoy any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (excess fat removed and cubed into smaller pieces)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp garlic (minced), divided
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced), divided
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1½ cups white onion (chopped into ¾-inch pieces)
• 3 celery stalks (sliced on an angle)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame seed oil
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp fresh ginger (minced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the sauce by combining chicken broth, hoisin sauce, sesame seed oil, honey, rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp garlic, 1 tsp cracked black pepper, chili powder, and ½ tsp fresh ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and 1 tsp cracked black pepper until fully coated.
3. Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tsp garlic, 1 tsp fresh ginger, diced green bell pepper, chopped onion, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
6. Step 6: Serve the black pepper chicken hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili to the sauce.
• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook.
• Add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for more color and texture.
• If you like, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even browning and proper cooking inside.

Is this dish spicy?

The black pepper and chili powder add a mild amount of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder according to your preference.