This effortless version of Black Pepper Chicken is my take on the classic Chinese dish. By using simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, I've created a recipe that's not only easy to make but also boasts a bold and savory flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

The dish is made with boneless chicken that is marinated in a mixture of salt, cornflour, and black pepper powder, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. The chicken is then stir-fried with fresh vegetables like onions, green pepper, garlic, and ginger, which add a savory depth to the dish.

Black Pepper Chicken has a distinct flavor profile that's both bold and savory, with a touch of spice from the black pepper. The sauce, made with a combination of oyster sauce and dark soy sauce, provides a rich and umami-packed base for the dish. Plus, the green onions add a touch of freshness and color to the final presentation.

What's great about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make and doesn't require any fancy techniques or equipment. All you need is a hot pan, some basic ingredients, and a few minutes of prep time. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you'll be able to whip up this delicious Black Pepper Chicken recipe in no time.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cut the boneless chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp cornflour, and 1 tsp black pepper powder to the chicken and mix well. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.
2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion and green pepper into small pieces, chop the garlic and ginger into fine pieces, and cut the green onions into 2-inch pieces.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped ginger and garlic to the pan and fry until fragrant.
4. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and separate the pieces to ensure even cooking. Fry the chicken until it starts to turn white.
5. Once the chicken is partially cooked, add the diced onions and green onions to the pan. Stir well and cook until the onions become translucent and the green pepper slightly softens.
6. Add 1 tbsp oyster sauce and 1 tbsp dark soy sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine and let it cook for 2 minutes.
7. While the sauce is cooking, prepare a slurry by mixing 1/2 tbsp cornstarch in 1/4 cup water.
8. After 2 minutes, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir well. When the sauce starts to thicken, add the 2-inch green onion pieces and stir well.
9. Cook until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. If you like a thinner sauce, add a little more water. If you like a thicker sauce, let it cook for a few more minutes.
10. Turn off the heat and serve the black pepper chicken with steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients Overview:

1. Chicken breast: The star of the dish, boneless chicken breast is used in this recipe for its tenderness and versatility. It's a great source of lean protein and can be found at most grocery stores.
2. Salt: The salt is used to season the chicken and help it absorb the other flavors in the dish.
3. Black pepper powder: This is the key ingredient that gives the dish its signature bold and spicy flavor. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.
4. Cornflour: Also known as cornstarch, this ingredient is used to help thicken the sauce and create a crispy coating on the chicken.
5. Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil will work for this recipe, such as vegetable or canola oil. The oil is used to fry the chicken and vegetables.
6. Onion: The onion adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the dish.
7. Ginger: Fresh ginger is used to add a warm and slightly spicy flavor to the dish. Be sure to peel the ginger before using it.
8. Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
9. Water: The water is used to create a slurry with the cornflour, which helps thicken the sauce.
10. Oyster sauce: A staple ingredient in Chinese cooking, oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavor to the dish.
11. Dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce is thicker and has a richer flavor than regular soy sauce. It adds depth and color to the dish.
12. Green onions: Also known as scallions, green onions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish. They're used as a garnish and also added to the sauce for extra flavor.
13. Pepper/ Capsicum: Any mild green pepper or capsicum can be used in this recipe. I have used the Anaheim pepper for its crunchy texture and mild flavor. It's a great source of vitamin C and adds a pop of color to the dish.

Ditch The Takeout - Amazing Home Cooked Black Pepper Chicken As Featured On Youtube

FAQS: Ditch The Takeout - Amazing Home Cooked Black Pepper Chicken

Q. Can I use a different type of meat?

A. Yes, you can use other types of meat such as boneless chicken thighs or pork loin. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as different meats have different cooking times.

Q. Can I use white pepper instead of black pepper?

A. Yes, you can use white pepper if you prefer a milder flavor. However, black pepper gives the dish its signature bold and spicy flavor.

Q. Can I omit the oyster sauce?

A. If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of soy sauce and hoisin sauce. However, oyster sauce adds a unique umami flavor to the dish.

Q. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A. Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. However, the texture of the chicken may change slightly when reheated.

Q. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

A. Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for each vegetable.

Q. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A. Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make the dish gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on the ingredients to ensure they're gluten-free.

Q. Can I adjust the amount of black pepper in the dish?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of black pepper according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less black pepper. If you prefer a spicier flavor, use more black pepper.

Q. Can I use a different type of oil?

A. Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Avoid using oils with a strong flavor such as olive oil as it may alter the taste of the dish.

Q. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

A. While this recipe is meant to be cooked on the stovetop, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and vegetables first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the sauce ingredients and cook on low heat until the chicken is cooked through.