Black Pepper Chicken

Black pepper chicken is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Prepared with yummy spices and crisp bell peppers, it’s a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy!

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Stir-fry with bell peppers on a white serving platter
Black Pepper Chicken

Table Of Contents

  • Cooking technique for moist and tender meat
  • Cooking tips
  • How to serve and store
  • Black Pepper Chicken

Stir-fries are a quick way to whip up a delicious meal for the family.  You can pull them together in no time and with virtually whatever ingredients you have around.

But one problem I often encounter in this type of high-temp cooking is that the protein ends up dry and lacking in flavor. I’ve always wondered why the meat in stir-fry dishes from Chinese restaurants is moist and succulent with an almost velvet-like texture.

Well, folks, the answer behind the velvety texture, I found out, is called velveting.

chicken meat marinating in corn starch in a bowl with bell peppers on the side

Cooking technique for moist and tender meat

Velveting is a Chinese cooking method wherein chicken, pork, beef, or fish is marinated in a mixture of egg white, cornstarch, and rice wine and then briefly blanched in oil or water. The velveted meat is finished off with other ingredients in quick stir-fry applications such as beef broccoli and this black pepper chicken.

The simple process creates a protective coat that seals moisture and protects the meat from overcooking, keeping it super moist and tender.

Cooking Tips

  • I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thigh or leg meat in this recipe, but the breast will work as well.
  • Slice the meat across the grain and into uniform thickness to ensure a tender chew and even cooking.
  • Stir-frying is a quick procedure; make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go.
  • The recipe calls for bell peppers and onions; feel free to substitute or add celery, spring onions, mushrooms, baby corn, or carrots.
  • For best results, use freshly ground black pepper and season the dish generously.
Black Pepper Chicken on a serving plate

How to serve and store

  • Serve this delicious chicken stir-fry with steamed or fried rice and chow mein for an Asian-themed lunch or dinner.
  • Keep leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • Warm up in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals until heated through, stirring well after each interval.

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