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Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 86 reviews

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and slightly spicy stir-fried chicken dish, combining tender chicken pieces with a rich and aromatic sauce featuring black pepper, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, and garlic. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired meal served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix thoroughly and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat the Oil and Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon minced ginger and 2 cloves minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through and starting to brown on edges.
  5. Add the Sauce and Simmer: Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken perfectly.
  6. Adjust and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

  • For extra heat, consider adding a chopped chili or increasing the black pepper quantity.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more tender and juicy results.
  • Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry if unavailable.
  • Make sure not to overcook the ginger and garlic to avoid bitterness.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor and aroma.

Keywords: black pepper chicken, Chinese chicken recipe, stir-fry chicken, Asian chicken dish, quick chicken recipe