Simple Black Pepper Chicken Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Before we dive into the delicious world of simple black pepper chicken, let’s explore some great pairings that will elevate your entire meal. These side dishes not only complement the chicken but enhance the flavors and textures, creating a satisfying experience.

Start with steamed jasmine rice. The light, fluffy texture of jasmine rice absorbs the savory flavors of the black pepper chicken perfectly. 

It acts as a neutral base, allowing the bold flavors of the chicken to shine while providing a comforting balance.

Stir-fried veggies are another fantastic pairing. A colorful mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas adds brightness to your plate and provides a satisfying crunch.

The fresh vegetables bring a nice contrast to the savory chicken, making the meal feel more vibrant.

For an indulgent option, consider garlic noodles. The rich, buttery garlic noodles are a delightful addition, perfectly offsetting the spices of the chicken. The creamy texture and savory flavor of the noodles create a decadent side that complements the meal beautifully.

A light cucumber salad is a refreshing side. Dressed in vinegar, this salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm, savory chicken. 

The coolness of the cucumbers helps cleanse your palate between bites, keeping the meal feeling fresh and light.

Finally, an Asian slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a peanut or sesame dressing adds an interesting twist to your meal. The crunch and slightly tangy flavor of the slaw balance the richness of the chicken, offering a delightful and flavorful complement.

These pairings will perfectly elevate your simple black pepper chicken, making for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

What is Simple Black Pepper Chicken?

Simple black pepper chicken is a stir-fry dish, often seen in various Asian cuisines, with a primary focus on the bold flavor of black pepper. 

The chicken is typically marinated and sautéed, allowing it to absorb those spicy notes. It’s all about balance—slightly sweet, savory, and of course, peppery. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

You’re in for a treat when it comes to flavor. Picture this: tender chicken infused with the heat of freshly cracked black pepper, balanced by a hint of sweetness from sugars and the savory depth of soy sauce. 

With fragrant garlic and ginger rounding out the flavor, the dish offers layers of taste that linger long after the last bite.

Why You’ll Love This?

The beauty of simple black pepper chicken lies in its ease of preparation and its bold flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or guests, this dish never disappoints. 

It’s versatile enough to suit various dietary needs, and you can tweak it to match your spice tolerance.

Additionally, it’s quick to whip up on a busy weeknight, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. This dish provides a satisfying and wholesome meal without keeping you in the kitchen forever. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 teaspoon cornstarch

3 tablespoons water

12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon neutral oil (such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)

2 teaspoons oyster sauce

For the Rest of the Dish:

3 tablespoons neutral oil (divided)

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons dark soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 medium onion, cut into wedges

1/2 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch/2.5cm pieces

1 stalk celery, thinly sliced on the bias

1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon chopped green onions for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken slices. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until well combined. Add the sliced chicken, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Let this marinate for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Heat the Wok

Heat 1 teaspoon of neutral oil in a wok or a large pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken, as this helps to sear the meat perfectly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok, spreading it out into a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes without stirring; this allows a nice sear to form. Once golden brown, flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. You want them to retain some crunch for texture.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Next, add the minced garlic, ginger, and the remaining oyster sauce. Stir these in, letting the garlic and ginger bloom and fill the kitchen with their incredible aroma.

Step 6: Combine and Thicken the Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Add the chicken broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing rice wine, and sesame oil. 

Stir well to coat everything. In another small bowl, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir until smooth. Add this to the wok to thicken the sauce.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle in the coarsely ground black pepper and give it one last toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8: Serve

Remove the wok from heat. Serve the chicken garnished with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with your chosen sides, and you’re good to go!

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Skimp on the Pepper: The black pepper is the star of the show here. Too little and you lose its signature flavor; too much can overwhelm the dish. Find a balance you love.
  
• Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time during the week, marinate the chicken a day in advance. This allows flavors to deepen.
  
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a significant difference in flavor. Avoid powdered versions if you can.
  
• Adjust Spice Level: If you’re unsure about the pepper, start small and work your way up. You can always add more later!
  
• Leftovers Are Gold: This dish keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
  

How Can You Store This Simple Black Pepper Chicken?

Simple black pepper chicken can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it. 

When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water while reheating can help maintain moisture.

Alternative Choices for Ingredients

Sometimes, you might not have everything on hand. Here are some alternatives you can consider:

• Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breast, consider substituting with chicken thighs. They are juicier and have a richer flavor, but take a bit longer to cook through.
  
• Oyster Sauce: If oyster sauce is unavailable, hoisin sauce can be a great substitute. It offers sweetness and depth. Alternatively, soy sauce with a dash of sugar can work in a pinch.
  
• Cornstarch: In case cornstarch is missing, you can use arrowroot powder. It thickens sauces beautifully and keeps them clear, which is visually appealing.
  

Conclusion

Simple black pepper chicken isn’t just another weekday meal—it’s an experience. With its straightforward preparation and bag of unique flavors, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. 

Whether you pair it with rice, noodles, or fresh veggies, this dish satisfies on multiple levels. The mesmerizing aroma, delightful crunch from the bell peppers, and soft tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds. 

So grab your apron, fire up that stove, and let the aromas transport you—one delicious bite at a time!

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