Black Pepper Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, often found in takeout menus and known for its savory and peppery flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this dish special and how you can enjoy it:
Overview of Black Pepper Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful black pepper sauce, often accompanied by crisp vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery. Unlike some other Chinese takeout dishes, Black Pepper Chicken is not deep-fried but rather stir-fried, making it a lighter option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg white (optional)
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and egg white (if using). Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell pepper, onion, and celery.
- Stir-Fry: Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced vegetables and stir-fry until they are crisp-tender.
- Add Sauce: Sprinkle the ground black pepper and Sichuan peppercorns over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips for Making Black Pepper Chicken
Silken Chicken Technique: This involves marinating the chicken in soy sauce, egg white, and cornstarch, then poaching it in hot water. This method results in super moist and tender chicken pieces6.
Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of black pepper and Sichuan peppercorns to suit your taste preferences8.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout to your home kitchen. By following the steps above, you can enjoy a savory and peppery meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
For more detailed recipes and variations, you can explore different sources and try out what works best for your taste
