Savory Black Pepper Chicken A RestaurantQuality Delight at Home

Savory Black Pepper Chicken A Restaurantquality

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight: Takeout Fakeout!
Fancy a night in with food that tastes like it came from your favourite restaurant? Me too! Ever wondered if you could recreate that restaurant-quality Black pepper chicken recipe at home? Of course, you have! Let's make some Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight that's way better than takeout.
Trust me, the intense flavor will have you saying "Cheeky Nandos who?".
Wok Hei Dreams: What is Black Pepper Chicken All About?
This Cantonese chicken recipe , originating from Southern China, is about bold flavors and quick cooking. It's a real hug in a bowl, especially on a chilly evening.
This recipe is a medium-difficulty dish that takes around 35 minutes from start to finish, and it comfortably serves 4 hungry bellies.
Get ready to experience the joy of Homemade Chinese food .
Why This Recipe Rocks!
Honestly, this Black pepper chicken recipe is a winner because it’s quick, tasty, and healthier than ordering in. Plus, it is a healthy dinner.
It’s the perfect Easy weeknight dinner option when you're craving something satisfying and flavourful, especially if you love chicken stir-fry.
And, with Chicken stir-fry with pineapple and peppers , or even Chicken stuffed peppers , you can get your 5-a-day easy! The highlight? The freshly cracked black pepper that gives it that unforgettable zing.
What You'll Need
Time for ingredients! We're talking chicken thighs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and loads of black pepper, obviously. Don't worry, you probably already have most of this in your cupboard.
Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight: Gearing Up for a Flavor Explosion
Alright, so you wanna make my Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight ? Fantastic! It's honestly easier than ordering takeout, and tastes way better.
Like, restaurant style black pepper chicken but in your own kitchen. This isn't just any black pepper chicken recipe . We're talking "Fine Dining Nandos" level stuff! This is a proper Cantonese chicken recipe
Let's get our ducks in a row. The right ingredients and a few trusty tools are all you need for this easy weeknight dinner .
Seriously, prep is key. This way you can focus on getting that amazing wok hei chicken . I had a right mare the first time I tried it when I forgot to prep the garlic.
Main Ingredients: The Flavor Foundations
Here’s what you’ll need to create this Chicken Stir-fry With Pineapple And Peppers
- Chicken: 1 lb (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Quality counts here! Go for chicken that looks nice and pink, not pale or slimy. Trust me, it makes a difference.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons total.
- Shaoxing Wine: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . (Or dry sherry if you're in a pinch.)
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons total.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) . This is our secret weapon for tender chicken.
- White Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) (optional).
- Vegetable Oil: 3 tablespoons total.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds that lovely umami depth.
- Dark Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . For that rich colour.
- Honey or Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15g) . A touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Adds moisture and flavour to the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . A little goes a long way.
- Water: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic, man!
- Ginger: 1 inch , minced.
- Onion: 1 medium , sliced.
- Bell Pepper: 1 (any colour) , sliced. I like red or yellow for the pop of colour.
- Fresh Red Chilies: 1-2 , thinly sliced (optional).
- Black Pepper: 2 tablespoons , coarsely ground. FRESHLY GROUND, people! This is the star, after all.
- Optional Garnish: Spring onion, chopped.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Now, here’s where things get interesting. A good mix of seasoning can elevate even the most basic dishes.
The blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce is the foundation of our umami flavor. The honey adds a touch of sweetness and balances the saltiness.
This is the heart of our Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight . The addition of fresh garlic and ginger brings that aromatic punch, crucial for any decent Homemade Chinese food meal.
Got no Shaoxing wine? Dry sherry works just fine. Run out of oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce is a decent substitute.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up this treat.
- Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for that lovely char, but a large skillet works just fine.
- Large Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the sauce.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accuracy is your friend.
- Cutting Board: For chopping veggies.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes life so much easier.
Right, now we've got everything ready we can create a wonderful Health Dinner , or a delicious version of Chicken Stuffed Peppers . Let's get cooking!
Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight: Restaurant Style, Made Easy!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good Chicken Stir-fry recipe ? We're diving headfirst into creating Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight at home.
Forget the takeout menus! This Restaurant style black pepper chicken is easier than you think, and trust me, it's a flavour explosion.
You know, like Cantonese chicken recipe greatness right in your own kitchen.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. Or, in this case, our chicken and veg! Chop 1 lb of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
Measure out your soy sauce (1 tablespoon for the marinade, 2 for the sauce), Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry, 1 tablespoon), cornstarch (1 teaspoon for the marinade, 1 tablespoon for the sauce), and spices.
Having everything prepped is a huge time-saver , especially when you’re chasing that Wok hei chicken .
Step-by-Step: Wok Star Status Incoming
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix 1 lb chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes .
- Whip Up the Sauce: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons water.
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 minced inch of ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165° F/ 74° C . Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add 1 sliced onion and 1 sliced bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 2- 3 minutes . Add 1-2 sliced chilies, if you are feeling brave.
- Combine and Conquer: Return the chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce and stir-fry until the sauce thickens (1- 2 minutes).
- Pepper Power: Stir in 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper.
- Serve it Up: Garnish with spring onion. Enjoy!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Stir-Fry Game
Want to make this even better? Use freshly cracked black pepper, honestly, it makes a world of difference. And don’t overcrowd the wok.
Also, this Homemade Chinese food tastes great with Chicken Stuffed Peppers for a real Health Dinner . So, give Chicken Stir-fry With Pineapple And Peppers a go.
It really is an Easy weeknight dinner win, you know.
Recipe Notes for Your Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight
Right then, let's chat about a few extra bits for this Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight . I wanted to give you the lowdown on serving, storing, and tweaking this homemade Chinese food recipe.
Honestly, it's more forgiving than you think.
Serving Up Some Deliciousness
Okay, so imagine this: You've just finished cooking up this restaurant style black pepper chicken . How do you make it look chef's kiss amazing? Pile it high on a bed of fluffy rice.
Seriously, the contrast of the rich, dark sauce with the white rice is just chefs kiss . For presentation, sprinkle some chopped spring onions on top – a bit of green always makes everything look fresher.
On the side, I reckon some steamed broccoli or even a simple Chicken Stuffed Peppers , Chicken Stir-fry With Pineapple And Peppers salad would be lush.
A light and crisp beer would also pair well.
Storage Sorted
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers (unlikely, trust me!), just pop it in an airtight container and whack it in the fridge.
It will be good for about 3 days. Freezing this black pepper chicken recipe isn't ideal, as the texture of the chicken can change, but if you absolutely have to, portion it out before freezing.
To reheat, just nuke it in the microwave or, even better, stir-fry it in a pan until it’s piping hot.
Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) to be safe.
Twists and Turns
Fancy mixing things up? For a healthier spin, try swapping the chicken for tofu – a delicious Health Dinner option! And you could change that to Chicken stir-fry recipe .
Or, switch out the bell peppers for seasonal veggies like asparagus in spring or butternut squash in autumn.
Nutrition Nitty-Gritty
Alright, let's get a little Cantonese chicken recipe nerdy, in a good way, of course! One serving of this deliciousness clocks in at roughly 450 calories.
You’re getting a good whack of protein (35g), which is awesome, and some fats (25g), and carbs(20g) from the rice/honey, and veggies.
Its not only good for you, it's so delicious to eat!
Don't fret too much about the numbers, enjoy it! Just remember to be mindful of portion sizes, and you'll be golden.
It’s a proper easy weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone saying, "More please!" And mastering the wok hei chicken is really satisfying! You've got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight spicier? I'm a bit of a chilli fiend!
Absolutely! If you like a bit of a kick, feel free to add more fresh red chilies to the stir-fry, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. A dash of your favourite hot sauce after cooking also works a treat – consider it your own cheeky Nando's PERi-ometer!
What's the best way to store leftovers of Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight? I always seem to make too much!
Leftovers are your friend! Store your Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle stir-fry in a pan with a splash of water will bring it back to life. The flavours often meld together even more overnight, so it can taste even better the next day! Remember Monica's Thanksgiving leftovers - legendary!
I don't have Shaoxing wine. What can I substitute in this Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight recipe?
No worries, we've all been there! If you haven't got any Shaoxing wine to hand, dry sherry is a fantastic substitute. You could also use apple cider vinegar in a pinch. Both will add a similar depth of flavour, ensuring your Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight still hits the spot.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight?
You certainly can, although chicken thighs are generally recommended for their higher fat content, which keeps them moist and tender during the stir-frying process. If using chicken breast, be extra careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry. Consider cutting the breast into slightly larger pieces and reducing the cooking time slightly, like when you are cooking chicken for a Roast Dinner.
I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I make this Savory Black Pepper Chicken Delight recipe healthier?
Good on you for being health-conscious! To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium soy sauce and cut back on the amount of oyster sauce or replace it with a low-sodium alternative. You can also load up on the vegetables to increase the fibre content and overall nutritional value – think more greens, like broccoli or sugar snap peas. Every little helps!