Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

Name: Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken breast; 1 cup Broccoli florets; 0.5 cup Bell pepper (sliced); 2 tbsp Black pepper; 2 tbsp Soy sauce; 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 tbsp Vegetable oil

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What are some comfort food recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen? What is my go-to Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry? Think of it as your supercharged, peppery cousin to a classic sesame chicken – but honestly? I think it blows sesame chicken out of the water. My family begs for this, and it’s honestly one of the few dishes that I can whip up even on the weekends. I feel like I’m winning at dinner. What do you do on a weeknight? What is the combination of the tender chicken, the slight kick from the black pepper, and the savory sauce? What’s the best thing about takeout?

What is black pepper chicken stir fry?

What is Black Pepper chicken stir fry? Well, think of it as a symphony of savory goodness in oozing wok! What is chicken? It’s essentially bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated, stir-fried to perfection, and then served. What are some of the best black pepper sauces? What’s that wonderful balance of salty, sweet, and spicy, with a generous hit of freshly cracked cracked pepper? What is the best way to wake up your taste buds with black pepper? What does the name mean? What is a quick cooking dish? Is this the kind of meal that comes together in minutes? If you’re short on time but still craving something amazing, why? Is it a flavor bomb in the bowl?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some good reasons to love this Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. What are some of the best black peppers to pair with chicken? What is the difference between sweet and sour sauce? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Is it possible to make a dinner in 30 minutes? What are some good ways to save time when you’re tempted to order takeout? What are some of the best ingredients for a budget-friendly kitchen? You probably already have most of them in your pantry! The versatility is another major win. Is it healthy to serve it with rice, noodles, quinoa, or just enjoy it on its own as a protein-packed snack? I love throwing it over a simple salad for quick and healthy lunch. I’ve tried many stir-fry recipes, and this one always comes out on top because of the perfect recipe. What is the balance of flavors and how easy it is to make. Is this a weeknight champion?

How do I make black pepper chicken stir fry?

Quick Overview

What are some of the best ways to make Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry? How do you marinate chicken? If you’re cooking a chicken breast, sauté it until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. What is the magic of black pepper sauce? What is the best way to cook a simple soup or stew until it thickens into Ice Cream? What’s a good glaze? Is it okay to toss chicken in the sauce? What are some tips for cooking? Since stir-frying happens very quickly, it’s Do not be intimidated – it’s much easier than it sounds, and the results are totally worth it!

Ingredients

What is the marinade for chicken?
* 1 lb boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I like to use chicken thighs sometimes for extra flavor, but breasts work just fine. * 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness. * One tablespoon cornstarch. How do you cook chicken? * 1 teaspoon cooking oil. Vegetable or canola oil works great. Adds a warm, subtle spice.

How do I make Black Pepper Sauce?
* 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided. I’ll need oil for both stir-frying and making the sauce. * 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic flavor. * 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste. Don’t skimp on the black Pepper! I always use freshly cracked soy sauce for the best flavor. Is low-sodium a good substitute for oyster sauce? If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce. * 2 tablespoons brown sugar. What are some good uses for rice vinegar? Add a little tang to the sauce. * 1/2 cup chicken broth. How do you make a smooth, glossy sauce? * 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry). This is used to thicken the sauce.

Optional Add-in
* 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or snap peas). Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies! * Sesame seeds, for garnish. What are some good ways to garnish green onions? Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

How do I follow

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, cooking oil, and ground black pepper. Set aside. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor. I usually prep this while I’m getting the rest of the ingredients ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chicken. Set aside. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside. I sometimes give it a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds if it’s being stubborn.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

How do I heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat? Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the chicken) and serve immediately. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. How do I get a crispy chicken in my pan?

Step 4: Make the Black Pepper Sauce

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well. How long does it take to stir fry garlic? This step is all about blooming the black pepper to release its flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the black pepper sauce over medium heat. Pour the sauce into the skillet. Bring to simmer. Serve immediately. What is cornstarch slurry? Stir in water. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Should the sauce be glossy and coat the back of a spoon? If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.

Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat chicken evenly with black pepper sauce. If you’re using vegetables, add them now and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender. I like my veggies to have a little bit of bite, but cook them longer if you prefer them softer.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite grain. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. I usually serve it with a side of steamed broccoli for tastiness.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry recipes? What are some good ideas to get you started?

Over Rice:What are some good steamed white rice recipes? What is the best way to enjoy black pepper sauce with rice?

With Noodles:What is your favorite type of stir-fry? What makes a heartier meal?

With Quinoa:What are some healthy ways to serve stir-fry over quinoa? How do I add protein to my diet?

As Lettuce Wraps:What are some good ways to serve Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry in lettuce cups?

With Steamed Vegetables:Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy for a complete and balanced meal. Growing up, we always had this with simple white rice and a side of stir-fried bok choy. It’s a tradition I’ve carried on with my own family, and it always feels like special occasion. Even on a regular Tuesday night!

How do you make a Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry?

I’ve made this Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry *a lot* over the years, and I have learned a few things. What are some tricks along the way? What are some of the best tips for a stir-fry?

Use High Heat:What is stir-frying? How do you sear chicken and vegetables? How do you make sure your wok is screaming hot before you add the ingredients?

Don’t overcrowd the Pan: DoOvercrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the chicken and vegetables to steam. Instead of stir-fry, use Work in batches if necessary to avoid this.

How do I prepare ingredients in advance?How do you prepare a stir-fry? Before you cook, think about the ingredients. How do you chop your vegetables, measure out your sauces, and have everything within easy reach.

What is the best way to use fresh cracked black pepper?What is the best way to enjoy freshly cracked black pepper? I always use a pepper grinder to get the best results.

Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:How much soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar should I use? If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If it’s tangier, use more rice vinegar. I actually prefer a little more black pepper than the recipe calls for – it just depends on my mood!

Don’t overcook a chicken! Chicken can become dry and tough if it’s overcooked. Be sure to cook it just until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. It will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.

One thing I learned the hard way: don’t be afraid of the heat! For a long time, I was too cautious and ended up with soggy stir-fries. Crank up the heat, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat your Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stir-fry for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, you can microwave the stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. I usually prefer the skillet method because it helps to maintain the texture.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you are planning to store the stir-fry, it’s best to add any fresh garnishes (such as sesame seeds and green onions) just before serving, rather than before storing. This will help them to stay fresh and crisp.

I’ve found that the stir-fry tastes best when reheated within the first few days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors can meld together (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing!), but the texture can suffer a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that has a similar flavor profile. Also, make sure to double-check that your oyster sauce and chicken broth are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the protein you choose. For shrimp, cook for just a few minutes until pink and opaque. For beef or pork, slice it thinly and stir-fry until cooked through. For tofu, press out the excess water and stir-fry until golden brown and crispy.

Can I add more vegetables to this stir-fry?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this stir-fry. Some great options include bell peppers, onions, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini. Add them to the skillet after you’ve stir-fried the chicken and cook until they are tender-crisp.

Can I make this spicier?

Yes, if you want to add more heat to this stir-fry, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for an extra kick. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce. Hoisin sauce has a similar flavor profile to oyster sauce and will add a rich, umami flavor to the dish. You can also use a combination of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for a similar effect.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry recipe that’s a guaranteed weeknight winner. I truly believe that this recipe is worth trying because it’s incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and customizable to your liking. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry or my Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! And if you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them!

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