Welcome to the delightful world of Black Pepper Chicken! This dish is a perfect blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures. Let’s dive into some quick tips and secrets to make your cooking experience even more enjoyable!
Tips for Success
Don’t rush the marinating process; it’s where all the flavor magic happens. And remember, cooking the chicken in batches helps achieve that crispy perfection!
Why You’ll Love It
This dish is not just tasty but also comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Ingredients
- Chicken Marinade:
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- Sauce:
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- Stir Fry:
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- Serving:
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Instructions
- Marinate Chicken:
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Step 1- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken pieces to a bowl with 2 Tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside. Add 1/2 cup cornstarch to a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and set aside.
- Make Sauce:
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Step 2- Make Sauce: Mix sauce ingredients together and stir to combine.
- Coat Chicken:
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Step 3- Coat chicken in cornstarch: Remove chicken pieces from marinade and add to bowl or bag with cornstarch, tossing well to coat.
- Sauté Chicken:
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Step 4- Sauté Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add ½ of the chicken pieces, spacing them out, so they can get golden and crisp on the outsides, flipping once, about 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate, reserving the oil in the pan. Repeat with remaining chicken. Add more oil if needed.
- Sauté Veggies:
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Step 5- Sauté Veggies: Pour a tiny bit more oil to the pan if needed and add onion, celery and bell pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, over medium-high heat for a few minutes, until tender.
- Finish:
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Step 6- Finish: Add sauce and simmer until it begins to slightly thicken. Add chicken and stir to coat.
- Serve:
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Step 7- Serve: Serve over hot cooked rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 40g, Protein: 30g
Cooking techniques
The key to this dish is ensuring that the chicken is well-coated in cornstarch, which gives it that delightful crispy texture. Sautéing in batches helps achieve a perfect golden color without overcrowding the pan.
Variations or substitutions
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option! You can also add your favorite veggies like broccoli or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Storage tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Notes
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or some sliced fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry!
