![- 500g boneless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons black peppercorns - 3 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon ginger - 1 green bell pepper - 1 red bell pepper - 1 medium onion - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish Black pepper is the star of this dish. It adds a warm, spicy kick. The crushed black peppercorns enhance the chicken’s flavor. They bring depth and complexity to each bite. I prefer chicken thighs over other cuts for their juiciness. Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful during cooking. They absorb the sauce well, giving you more taste. Cornstarch plays a key role in the dish's texture. It helps create a nice, crispy coating on the chicken. This gives you that perfect crunch when you bite into it. With these ingredients, you create a dish full of flavor. Each component works together, making your cooking exciting and tasty. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Marinating the chicken Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and add the crushed black peppercorns, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and one tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix everything well. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the meat and boost the flavor. - Slicing vegetables While the chicken marinates, slice the green and red bell peppers and the onion. Aim for uniform pieces. This way, they will cook evenly and look great in the dish. - Cooking chicken to golden perfection Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Sautéing garlic, ginger, and vegetables In the same skillet, if needed, add one more tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Then, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften. - Combining ingredients Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Drizzle in the remaining two tablespoons of soy sauce and one tablespoon of honey. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. - Adjusting seasoning before serving Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or black pepper based on your preference. Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your flavorful black pepper chicken! - Best practices for stir-frying: Use high heat to cook quickly. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Make sure to prep all your ingredients ahead of time. Once you start cooking, things move fast! Stir constantly to avoid burning. - Tips for achieving the right level of tenderness: Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the meat absorb flavors and stay moist. Cook chicken pieces in small batches. This prevents steaming, keeping the meat tender and golden. - Plating tips with rice: Serve your Black Pepper Chicken over fluffy jasmine rice. The white rice looks great against the dark chicken. Make a slight well in the rice to hold the sauce. This adds a nice touch! - Garnishing ideas for visual appeal: Top your dish with fresh cilantro. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can also sprinkle extra crushed black pepper on top. This gives a nice pop and hints at the dish's flavor. - Adding spices or sauces: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of sesame oil. This adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with the black pepper. You can also try a dash of chili sauce for heat. - Customizing heat levels: If you like more spice, add sliced fresh chilies. You can also use more black pepper if you enjoy that kick. Adjust to your taste for a perfect blend of flavors. With these tips and tricks, your Black Pepper Chicken can shine on any table. For the full details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian dish. It soaks up flavors well and adds a nice texture. Shrimp is another tasty option. It cooks fast and pairs nicely with the black pepper. For a plant-based meal, you can use tempeh or seitan. Both give a hearty feel and work well in stir-fries. Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies. Bell peppers are classic, but try zucchini or snap peas too. They add crunch and color to your dish. You can also add greens like bok choy. It cooks fast and adds a fresh taste. Just slice it thin and toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Black Pepper Chicken is not just for rice. You can wrap it in lettuce for a fresh bite. This adds a crunchy texture and is fun to eat. You can also use tortillas for a tasty twist. Serving it over salads is a great idea too. It adds protein and flavor to your greens. Try it with a light dressing to keep it fresh. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Black Pepper Chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerate leftovers: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing options: You can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag for best results. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, use these methods: - Microwave: Heat on medium power. Stir halfway through for even warming. - Skillet: Warm in a skillet over low heat. This helps keep the chicken juicy. - Avoid sogginess: Don't cover the dish tightly while reheating. This helps prevent steam buildup. To ensure safe eating, note these details: - In the fridge: Keep for up to 3 days. After that, the taste and quality decline. - Signs of spoilage: Look for off smells, changes in color, or slimy texture. If you see any of these signs, it's best to toss it. Black Pepper Chicken is a spicy and savory dish. It features tender chicken pieces tossed in crushed black pepper. The dish also includes garlic, ginger, and colorful bell peppers. You will love the bold flavors from soy sauce and honey. This dish is easy to make and very satisfying. Yes, you can prepare Black Pepper Chicken in advance. Marinate the chicken for up to a day. Store the marinated chicken in the fridge until you are ready to cook. You can also cook the dish and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This makes it great for meal prep! You can serve Black Pepper Chicken with several tasty sides. Here are some popular options: - Jasmine rice - Steamed broccoli - Fried rice - Noodles - A fresh salad These sides enhance the meal and balance the spice of the chicken. Yes, you can easily modify this recipe. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you want a low-carb option, swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp. You can also add more vegetables to make it heartier. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. This dish showcases the joy of cooking with simple, fresh ingredients. You learned how to marinate chicken and layer flavors using black pepper, garlic, and ginger. The tips for cooking techniques and serving suggestions help elevate your meal. Don't forget, you can also adapt the recipe with different proteins and veggies. Storing and reheating leftovers properly ensures great taste every time. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6e22f42c-6dd1-4ee0-ab48-7ce7df6a47d2-300x300.webp)
Black Pepper Chicken
Elevate your dinner with this delightfully spicy Zesty Black Pepper Chicken! This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs bursting with bold flavors from crushed black pepper, fresh veggies, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights, you'll have a delicious, colorful meal on the table in just 45 minutes. Ready to impress? Click through for the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table tonight!