Spicy Black Pepper Chicken

  • Prep Time
    15 Mins
  • Cook Time
    25 Mins
  • Total Time
    40 Mins
  • Difficulty
    Moderate
A savory stir-fry with marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold black pepper kick that makes for a quick and satisfying meal. Okay so lets get to the recipe instructions and ingredients now

Ingredients

    Instructions

    Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

    • Action: Start by preparing the chicken. Take 500g of chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces) and place it into a large mixing bowl.
    • Add Ingredients:
      • Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce to bring in a savory, umami flavor.
      • Add 1 tablespoon oyster sauce for a rich, slightly sweet, and salty taste.
      • Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to tenderize the chicken and help it stay juicy while cooking.
      • Add ½ teaspoon of sugar to balance the savory and salty flavors with a touch of sweetness.
      • Add 2 tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch) to help the chicken develop a crispy coating when cooked.
      • Pour in 1 teaspoon of oil (vegetable oil or any neutral oil) to help the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
      • Add 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning and 1 teaspoon of black pepper for a mild kick.
    • Mix Well: Using a spoon or your hands, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in the marinade.
    • Rest and Marinate: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. If you have time, you can marinate it for longer (up to 30 minutes) to enhance the flavors even more.

    Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

    • Heat the Pan: In a large frying pan or wok, add 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it over a low flame. The oil should be warm, but not smoking, before adding the vegetables.
    • Add the Vegetables:
      • Add 2 tablespoons of chopped spring onions (green onions).
      • Add 1 small-sized capsicum (bell pepper), sliced into thin strips for a crunchy texture.
      • Add 1 medium-sized onion, sliced into thin rings or half rings for a soft, aromatic base.
    • Cook the Vegetables: Stir the vegetables regularly and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are slightly translucent and the capsicum softens a bit. You want the vegetables to stay crunchy and fresh, not fully wilted.
    • Set Aside: Once the vegetables are cooked, turn off the heat and remove them from the pan. Set them aside in a bowl. This step ensures the vegetables stay vibrant and don’t overcook when added to the chicken later.

    Step 3: Cook the Chicken

    • Heat the Oil: In the same pan (or a separate one if preferred), add 1 teaspoon of oil and heat it over medium-low flame.
    • Sauté Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir the garlic constantly so that it becomes fragrant and golden, but not burnt. The garlic should infuse the oil, adding a lovely aroma to the dish.
    • Cook the Marinated Chicken:
      • Once the garlic is fragrant, add the marinated chicken to the pan.
      • Stir the chicken frequently to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides.
      • Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are tender and no longer pink inside. You can cut a piece open to check that it’s fully cooked through. The cornflour will help the chicken develop a nice, slightly crispy exterior.
    • Adjust the Heat: Keep the flame on medium-low to avoid burning the chicken while ensuring it cooks through evenly.

    Step 4: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

    • Add the Vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, add the sautéed vegetables (onions, capsicum, and spring onions) back into the pan with the chicken.
    • Mix Well: Stir the chicken and vegetables together to evenly distribute the vegetables throughout the chicken. Allow everything to heat through for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together. This also gives the vegetables a chance to absorb some of the chicken's savory juices.
    • Turn Off the Heat: After everything is well-mixed and heated, turn off the flame. This keeps the vegetables crisp while the chicken is hot and flavorful.

    Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

    • Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed (a pinch of salt or a dash more pepper if desired).
    • Serve: Transfer the Black Pepper Chicken onto a serving plate or bowl.
    • Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with additional spring onions, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor and color.
    • Enjoy: Serve hot, either on its own or alongside steamed rice, noodles, or a simple side dish.
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