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Black Pepper Chicken

A quick and easy stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a savory, peppery sauce, perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce Or soy sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine Or dry sherry.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the 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 the Stir-Fry
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil Or vegetable oil.
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
  • 1/2 white onion chopped
  • 2 bell peppers chopped Mixed colors brighten the plate and add sweetness.

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. Combine the chicken, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a medium bowl. Gently mix by hand until each piece wears a thin coat. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the 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. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken and immediately spread it into a single layer. Sear without crowding for about 1 minute, until the bottom shows a little golden brown.
  2. Flip the chicken and cook another 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables
  1. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the ginger and garlic, and give them a quick stir until fragrant — about 10–15 seconds.
  2. Then add the chopped white onion and bell peppers and stir for about 20 seconds.
Combine and Serve
  1. Stir the sauce again so the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then pour it into the skillet. Stir immediately with a spatula, and within a few seconds the sauce will thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  2. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and quickly toss to coat everything with the glossy sauce. Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove. Serve hot as a main dish.

Notes

For a lighter take, use low-sodium soy sauce. Time-saving trick: slice the chicken thinly and prep the sauce while the meat marinates for quicker cooking.