Description
A flavorful and spicy Black Pepper Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend, enhanced with aromatic garlic and onions, and garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the pieces and ensure a crisp texture when cooked.
- Cook chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. This sauce will add a balanced mix of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic and bring to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Transfer the black pepper chicken to serving plates and garnish generously with chopped green onions. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
- Ensure high heat during cooking for a nice sear on the chicken pieces.
- For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
