Easy Black Pepper Chicken: Chinese Takeout Style (Print Version)
Black Pepper Chicken, Chinese takeout style, made easy at home. Enjoy tender chicken in a savory, peppery sauce. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Chinese
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Tender Chicken Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 tbsp soy sauce
03 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
04 -
1 tsp sesame oil
→ Bold Black Pepper Glaze
05 -
3 tbsp soy sauce
06 -
2 tbsp oyster sauce
07 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
08 -
1 tbsp granulated sugar
09 -
1 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (coarsely ground preferred)
10 -
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
11 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
→ Aromatic & Crisp Veggies
12 -
2 tbsp vegetable oil
13 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
15 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
16 -
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
17 -
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss well to coat. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other components for your Easy Black Pepper Chicken: Chinese Takeout Style.
02 -
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. This is your flavorful glaze for the Easy Black Pepper Chicken.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp of the 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
04 -
Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 medium yellow onion, and 1 medium green bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.
05 -
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the prepared Bold Black Pepper Glaze a quick whisk again, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully. This completes your Easy Black Pepper Chicken: Chinese Takeout Style.
06 -
Remove from heat. Garnish generously with 2 sliced green onions. Serve your delicious Easy Black Pepper Chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles for an authentic takeout experience.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra tender chicken, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
02 -
If you don't have chicken thighs, boneless, skinless chicken breast can be used, but cook it carefully to avoid drying out.
03 -
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. A side of blanched broccoli or stir-fried bok choy would also be excellent.
04 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Whisk
03 -
Wok or large skillet
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
06 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 435 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
Protein: 33 g