Speedy Black Pepper Chicken Stirfry
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for Chinese takeout but dread the wait? Honestly, same here! That's why I'm sharing my black pepper chicken recipe easy enough for even a total beginner.
This recipe nails those takeout flavors, but it’s so much quicker and healthier.
What Makes This Black Pepper Chicken So Good?
This easy black pepper chicken recipe tastes amazing . It’s got that bold, peppery kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
Plus, it’s ready in under 35 minutes. How awesome is that for a weeknight chicken recipes lifesaver?
Quick Overview: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight
This black pepper chicken stir fry recipe takes inspiration from those classic American Chinese takeout joints. Think big flavor, tender chicken, and a super satisfying sauce.
It's an easy win for any night of the week. You will use boneless chicken stir fried with bell pepper and celery in a sauce.
It's ready in 35 minutes and serves 4.
Why You'll Love This Black Pepper Chicken
Honestly, this is way better than ordering in. You control the ingredients and the spice level. Plus, it is packed with lean protein.
The pepper can even boast antioxidant properties, and you get all those nutrients from the veggies! This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something quick black pepper chicken .
It is truly a takeout style black pepper chicken champion.
Time to Gather Your Ingredients
Now, for the fun part: gathering all the goodies. Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need for this homemade black pepper chicken . Get ready to make some magic in your kitchen!
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing easy black pepper chicken recipe . Honestly, the ingredient list isn't scary at all.
I’ve even included some swaps in case you're missing something. Trust me, this black pepper chicken stir fry recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Main Ingredients
This recipe hinges on fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s the lowdown:
- Chicken: 1.75 lbs (795g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Quality matters here! Look for chicken that's pink and firm, not pale or slimy. Chicken thighs are great because they remain tender.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for the marinade, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) for the sauce. I usually have soy sauce, do you?
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) in the marinade, 1 tablespoon (15ml) in the sauce. Honestly, I like this so much better than regular vinegar.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (7g) in the marinade, 1 tablespoon (7g) in the sauce. This helps get that takeout style black pepper chicken texture.
- Chicken Broth: ¾ cup (177ml) . Low sodium is always a good choice to control salt.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (12g) . Just a touch to balance the flavors.
- Black Pepper: 2-3 teaspoons (5-7.5g) coarse ground, to taste. Freshly cracked is best.
- Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons (10ml) . This adds a nutty richness.
- Ground Ginger: 1 teaspoon (2g) (or 2 teaspoons (4g) fresh, minced). I use ground because is faster.
- Vegetable Oil: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) . Any neutral oil works here.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white, your call.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Don't skimp on the garlic!
- Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped. Adds a pop of color.
- Celery: 2 stalks, sliced ½-inch ( 1.25cm ) thick. Adds crunch.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, let's talk flavour. For this homemade black pepper chicken , the key is the black pepper . Don't be shy! But also, taste as you go.
A little sesame oil adds that unmistakable Chinese inspired flavor. Ground ginger works in a pinch, but fresh ginger will always be better.
If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick! The beauty of this chicken stir fry with black pepper sauce is how easy it is to customize.
Equipment Needed
Good news! You don't need fancy gadgets for this quick black pepper chicken recipe.
- Large skillet or wok: If you have a wok, great! If not, a large skillet will do the trick.
- Bowls: You'll need a large bowl for marinating and a small one for the sauce.
- Whisk: To mix the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Obvious, but crucial.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping all those veggies.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will work just fine. For this 30 minute chicken dinner , efficiency is key! Now you're ready to nail this black pepper chicken with vegetables .
Cooking Up Some Speedy Black Pepper Chicken Magic
Fancy some takeout style black pepper chicken , but can't be bothered with the wait? Oh my gosh, I've got you covered! This black pepper chicken recipe easy is unbelievably simple and ready faster than you can say "dominoes".
It's perfect for those hectic weeknight chicken recipes when you need something quick, delicious, and comforting. Honestly, this homemade black pepper chicken beats the local Chinese any day! I actually stumbled upon this recipe when I was super hungry, and there was nothing in the fridge, now it's a staple.
Let's get cooking!
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
It all starts with the mise en place , darling. First, dice 1.75 lbs of chicken into bite sized pieces.
I prefer chicken thighs; they stay juicy. Then, chop 1 medium onion, mince 3 cloves of garlic, slice 1 green bell pepper, and cut 2 stalks of celery into ½-inch pieces.
Get all your sauces measured out too. Trust me; this saves you so much time. As for safety, remember to wash your hands and cutting board after handling raw chicken!
Stir Fry Showtime
Ready to get cooking?
- Marinate Time: In a bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let it sit for 15- 20 minutes whilst you prep the other ingredients.
- Sauce Prep: Whisk together ¾ cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2-3 teaspoons black pepper , 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon ginger.
- Sear the Chicken : Heat 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok over medium high heat. Brown the chicken for like, 3- 4 minutes.
- Veggie Power: Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper and celery and sauté for 2- 3 minutes .
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the sauce, stir and simmer for 5 minutes , until it thickens nicely.
- Finishing Touches : Toss the chicken back in, simmer for 5 minutes , until it's cooked through.
Pro Tips for Black Pepper Chicken Nirvana
Want to take your black pepper chicken stir fry recipe to the next level? Heat up your wok properly! The secret to the best stir fry is a hot wok.
Also, don’t overcrowd the pan! The chicken needs space to sear. Finally, use coarse ground black pepper. It gives such a better flavour.
If you're feeling clever, you can even double the sauce recipe and save half for next time. Boom! Dinner sorted.
So easy, right? This quick black pepper chicken will become your go-to 30 minute chicken dinner . You will feel like in a chinese inspired chicken recipe in the middle of the week
Recipe Notes for the Best Black Pepper Chicken
Right, let's talk about how to make this black pepper chicken recipe easy , even easier and totally yours! This isn't just some instruction manual; it's a chat about making amazing food.
Serving It Up Right
Honestly, the way you plate this homemade black pepper chicken makes a huge difference. Think about it: a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a few chopped green onions, suddenly, it's fancy .
I love serving mine over fluffy jasmine rice. And sometimes? I cheat. Microwave rice for the win! For sides, some stir fried bok choy is perfect.
Or, if you're feeling extra, egg rolls. Wash it down with some ice tea. It's a 30 minute chicken dinner masterpiece.
Storing the Goodness
Got leftovers? No worries! This takeout style black pepper chicken keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It's good for about 3-4 days . Freezing? Eh, I'm not a huge fan, but you can . The sauce might get a bit weird, you know? Reheating? Microwave is fastest, but for best results, pan-fry it.
It'll crisp the chicken back up.
Mix It Up, Baby!
Want to tweak it? Go wild! Feeling low-carb? Skip the rice and load up on the veggies for a black pepper chicken with vegetables fiesta.
Use cauliflower rice too!. Want a quick black pepper chicken ? Pre-cut veggies are your best friend. And for my vegan buddies? Swap the chicken for tofu! Just press it first to get rid of the extra water.
Suddenly, easy black pepper chicken recipe became flexible. Honestly, experiment! This chicken stir fry with black pepper sauce is your blank canvas.
Nutrition Stuff (The Easy Version)
Okay, so, I'm no nutritionist. But here's the gist. This black pepper chicken stir fry recipe has chicken which is protein for strong muscles.
Veggies give you vitamins. Be mindful of the sodium from the soy sauce. This Chinese inspired chicken recipe is better than most takeaways since it's homemade.
Look, this weeknight chicken recipes isn't just food. It's an experience. It's taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary . You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really an easy black pepper chicken recipe? I'm a beginner cook!
Absolutely! This black pepper chicken recipe easy is designed with beginner cooks in mind. The steps are straightforward, and there aren't any complicated techniques involved. Just follow the recipe, and you'll have a delicious, restaurant quality meal on the table in no time.
It's easier than ordering a takeaway from your local Chinese!
Can I make this black pepper chicken recipe easy spicier? I like my food with a kick!
You bet! If you're a spice fiend, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the black pepper sauce. You could also finely chop a red chili and add it to the stir fry with the other vegetables.
Taste as you go and adjust the heat to your liking remember, a little goes a long way!
How long does the black pepper chicken last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover black pepper chicken will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. For freezing, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture of the vegetables might be a bit softer after thawing.
Think of it as a handy ready meal for a rainy day!
I'm watching my sodium intake. Are there any modifications I can make to this recipe?
Definitely! To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce called for in both the marinade and the sauce, or substitute a portion with water.
Be mindful of other sodium containing ingredients, and remember that fresh ingredients generally contain less sodium than processed ones.
What other vegetables can I add to this black pepper chicken recipe?
The beauty of a stir fry is that you can throw in almost any veggies you have on hand! Broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and water chestnuts all work wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding the longer cooking vegetables first.
Consider adding snow peas and baby corn to add to your dish!
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it up?
If your sauce isn't thickening to your liking, it's likely due to the cornstarch. Ensure the cornstarch was fully dissolved in the liquid before adding it to the pan. If it's still too thin, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Let it bubble away, like you're making a magic potion, and watch it thicken!
Speedy Black Pepper Chicken Stirfry
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
