Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions. This recipe takes the classic Chinese-inspired black pepper chicken and adds a colorful medley of bell peppers and onions, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
The key to this dish’s incredible taste lies in the savory black pepper sauce, which coats the tender chicken pieces with a bold, peppery kick. Combined with the sweet and crunchy vegetables, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Black Pepper Chicken recipe apart is its perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch. The black pepper sauce is the star, providing a robust and aromatic flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. The addition of bell peppers and onions not only adds vibrant color to the dish but also contributes a satisfying textural contrast.
Beyond its delectable taste, this recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. Plus, the recipe lends itself well to meal prepping, so you can enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions ❓
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into thin strips
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Cooked rice, for serving
The beauty of this Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and bold black pepper creates the Chinese-inspired flavor profile that has made stir-fry recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
• Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 5: Add the bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Step 6: Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
• Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
• Step 8: Serve the Black Pepper Chicken immediately over cooked rice.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
Compared to traditional Chinese black pepper chicken dishes that can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions saves you 15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 724mg
These Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions provide approximately 54% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: The recipe is already dairy-free, but be sure to use a soy-based sauce if you need to avoid dairy.
• Added protein: Mix in 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas or edamame for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas to the stir-fry for more nutrient-dense vegetables.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh side salad for a lighter, more balanced dinner.
• Complement the dish with a simple steamed vegetable, such as broccoli or green beans.
• For a family-style meal, serve the Black Pepper Chicken alongside fried rice or lo mein noodles.
• Create an Asian-inspired platter with the chicken, alongside spring rolls, edamame, and fortune cookies.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not slicing the vegetables thin enough: Cutting the bell peppers and onions into thin, uniform strips helps them cook quickly and evenly. Thicker slices may take longer to become crisp-tender.
• Not using enough black pepper: The black pepper is the star of this dish, so be sure to use the full amount called for in the recipe to get that bold, peppery flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: It’s important to cook the chicken and vegetables in batches, if necessary, to prevent them from steaming instead of searing.
• Forgetting the cornstarch slurry: The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce and creating that glossy, cling-to-the-chicken texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of cooking, then freeze the uncooked chicken and vegetable mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked dish to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the Black Pepper Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the sauce has regained its glossy texture. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, checking and stirring frequently.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Black Pepper Chicken dish in advance?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the uncooked chicken and vegetable mixture for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! While the recipe is written for chicken, you can easily swap it out for other proteins, such as beef, pork, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through. The key is to maintain the bold black pepper sauce and vibrant vegetable combination.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes, with a few simple modifications, this Black Pepper Chicken can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a lower-carb version, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice. To make it dairy-free, be sure to use a soy-based sauce. You can also boost the protein by adding chickpeas or edamame, or increase the vegetable content by including additional veggies like mushrooms or snap peas.
What if my sauce doesn’t thicken properly?
If the sauce isn’t thickening as expected, you can try a few troubleshooting steps. First, make sure you’re using the cornstarch slurry as directed in the recipe. If the sauce still seems too thin, you can add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water and stir it into the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute or two, and it should thicken up nicely.
Can I add any extra ingredients to the recipe?
Absolutely! This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is highly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Some tasty additions could include sliced mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or even a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time and seasoning as needed to accommodate any extra ingredients.
Conclusion
These Black Pepper Chicken with Peppers and Onions represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal-prep option, they’re sure to impress with their bold, peppery kick and vibrant, crunchy vegetables. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home?
