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Delicious Black Pepper Chicken served with vibrant vegetables on a plate

Black Pepper Chicken

A quick and peppery stir-fry with juicy chicken thighs, crisp vegetables, and a glossy sauce that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces Thighs stay juicier; chicken breast works with small timing changes.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste. Start with less if you are sensitive.
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (see variations for vegetarian swaps)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for the slurry)
  • Green onions, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Put the chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Toss well to coat. Let sit at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Cooking
  1. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Stir-fry until the edges brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, then sprinkle the sugar. Stir to coat evenly.
  5. Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens within a minute.
  6. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, with an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or toss with cooked noodles for a complete meal. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat gently.

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