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Black Pepper Chicken

Delicious Black Pepper Chicken

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe brings the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine to your kitchen. Juicy chicken thighs are stir-fried with crisp vegetables and coated in a bold, aromatic black pepper sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 170
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium
  • 1 tbsp dry sherry or Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
For the Black Pepper Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp dry sherry or Shaoxing wine remaining from chicken marinade
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
  • 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 tsp minced ginger
  • Additional oil if needed

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dry sherry (or Shaoxing wine), and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Let marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, the remaining 1 tablespoon of sherry, 1/3 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, a pinch of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  4. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add a little more oil to the pan if needed. Add the sliced onions and green bell peppers and stir-fry until tender. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared black pepper sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all the ingredients evenly.
  6. Serve Hot: Serve immediately with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried noodles.

Notes

Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Using freshly ground black pepper is essential for the best flavor.
Marinating: For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms.