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Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5 mm) thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (I used mixed colors)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
   Begin by placing your sliced chicken breasts or thighs into a medium-sized bowl. Pour in 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce and the same measure of Shaoxing wine. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of cornstarch, and then, with gentle hands, mix everything until the chicken is well-coated with this flavorful marinade. Let the magic happen for about 10 to 15 minutes, giving the chicken time to soak up all those tasty flavors.

2. Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together half a cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, another 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine, and 2 teaspoons of dark soy sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of coarsely ground black pepper. Complete it with a tiny pinch of salt. Once mixed thoroughly, set this aside for later.

3. Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
   Heat up 1 tablespoon of peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, it's ready. Introduce the chicken to the pan, ensuring you spread it out into a single layer with minimal overlap using a spatula. This helps each piece get that lovely sear. Let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until the bottom starts to brown.

4. Step 4: Brown the Chicken
   After the initial sizzle, flip the chicken pieces and let them cook for another 15 to 20 seconds. Stir occasionally so both sides brown nicely, but it's okay if they're still a touch pink inside. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it aside for the moment.

5. Step 5: Infuse the Aromatics
   Back to the skillet! Add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced ginger and garlic, and stir them around briskly until your kitchen is filled with their aromatic scent. This should only take a few seconds.

6. Step 6: Cook the Vegetables
   Next, drop in the chopped white onion and those vibrant bell peppers. Mix them up and give them a good stir for about 20 seconds. They should start to soften slightly, maintaining their delightful crunch and color.

7. Step 7: Add the Sauce
   Before adding, ensure the sauce mixture is well-stirred so the cornstarch is thoroughly dissolved. Pour this into the skillet with the veggies. With your spatula at the ready, stir the sauce quickly. Keep an eye out for it to thicken, which should only take a few seconds.

8. Step 8: Combine Everything
   Time to bring the chicken back into the fold. Add it to the skillet and give everything a swift mix so the chicken is well-coated with the thickened sauce. The whole dish should be glossy and enticing at this point.

9. Step 9: Final Touches
   Once everything's well-mixed, turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove. To prevent overcooking, immediately transfer everything to a serving platter. This ensures each bite is perfectly cooked, not continuing to steam in the hot pan.

10. Step 10: Serve
    Serve your masterpiece while it's still warm. It's the perfect main dish, ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Enjoy your homemade black pepper chicken, bursting with flavor and color!

Notes

Navigating the path to perfect Black Pepper Chicken can sometimes lead to hiccups, but don't worry—I'm here to help you sidestep those! One common blunder is overcrowding the skillet which causes steaming rather than searing. Aim for a single layer of chicken to achieve a beautiful golden brown crust.

Another pitfall? Forgetting to preheat your skillet. Without proper heat, your chicken won’t brown effectively.

Lastly, mixing the sauce: ensure it’s stirred thoroughly so the cornstarch dissolves completely. This avoids lumpy sauce. Remember, a little patience goes a long way to enhance your culinary adventure!

Keywords: Pepper Chicken Recipe, Spicy Chicken Dish, Black Pepper Chicken Dish, Peppery Chicken Recipe, Seasoned Chicken with Pepper, Black Pepper Chicken Meal