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- 500g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 green bell pepper, chopped - 1 small onion, sliced - Sesame seeds, for garnish - Fresh cilantro, for garnish Precise measurements matter in cooking. They ensure the right balance of flavors. If you add too much soy sauce, your dish may taste too salty. On the other hand, not enough black pepper can lessen the flavor. You can adjust the quantities based on how many people you serve. For example, if you need to feed six, just increase the chicken to 750g. You can also add more sauces and spices in line with the chicken. Always keep in mind that more ingredients may change the cooking time slightly. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to marinate the chicken. In a big bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Make sure every piece of chicken gets coated. This step is key for flavor. Let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes. This time lets the flavors sink in. Next, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, lay the marinated chicken in a single layer. Don’t move it for about 3-4 minutes. This searing helps create a nice crust. Afterward, stir-fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Cook until it’s fully done and has a caramelized look. Now, it’s time for the veggies! Add the chopped red and green bell peppers and sliced onion. Stir-fry these for another 3-4 minutes. You want them to be soft but still crunchy. This keeps the dish fresh and colorful. If you like, sprinkle in more black pepper for a little extra heat. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed well. To get that perfect sticky sauce, focus on caramelization. Start by searing the chicken in hot oil. This helps create a nice brown color. The sugar in the sauce adds to the stickiness. If your sauce is not thick enough, cook it longer. This will help reduce it and make it stick better. When it comes to sweetness and spice, taste as you go. You can adjust the brown sugar for more sweetness. If you like heat, add more black pepper. A little extra cracked black pepper can elevate the dish. Don't be afraid to experiment until it matches your taste. You can cook this dish in different ways. Oven-baking is a great option if you want a hands-off approach. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. This method will give you juicy chicken with less fuss. Stovetop cooking is quicker and gives you more control. You can easily stir-fry the chicken and watch it caramelize. If you want even more convenience, try a slow cooker. Just add all your ingredients and set it on low for 6-8 hours. You’ll come home to a flavorful meal ready to enjoy. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or even up to an hour if you have time. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. Use High Heat: Cooking the chicken on medium-high heat helps achieve a nice sear and caramelization, giving the dish a delightful texture and flavor. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can also work well in this recipe. Garnish for Presentation: Don’t skip the sesame seeds and fresh cilantro! They not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish. {{image_2}} You can add heat to your sticky black pepper chicken by using chili peppers. Fresh or dried chili peppers work well. Start with half a chili for mild heat. If you like it spicy, add more! You can also try different types like jalapeños or serranos. Incorporating other spices like cumin can enhance the flavor. Cumin adds a warm, earthy taste. Just add one teaspoon when marinating the chicken. This small change can make a big difference! Not a fan of chicken? You can easily swap it for pork. Use the same amount of pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces. The cooking method remains the same. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, use tofu. Firm tofu is best for this recipe. Press it to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate it just like the chicken. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavor! To keep your sticky black pepper chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent odors and keeps the dish tasty. The chicken will last for up to three days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it gently to warm it evenly. This method helps maintain the flavor and texture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the chicken cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat it on the stove for the best taste. This way, it stays juicy and delicious! You can marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. This time allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty flavors. For even better flavor, try marinating it for up to 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. Just remember to cover it so it stays fresh. The longer you marinate, the more flavor it gets. Yes, you can experiment with different sauces! Try adding some chili sauce for heat or teriyaki sauce for sweetness. You could even use fish sauce instead of oyster sauce for a unique twist. Each sauce changes the flavor in fun ways. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Sticky black pepper chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Noodles - Stir-fried vegetables - A fresh salad These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal with bright colors and textures! This guide covered everything you need for making Sticky Black Pepper Chicken. We explored the key ingredients like chicken thighs and tasty sauces. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, cooking, and adding vegetables. You learned tips for the perfect sauce and different cooking methods. We discussed variations with spices and protein options, plus storage tips for leftovers. Experiment with your flavors and enjoy creating your dish. Each step brings you closer to a meal that’s both delicious and rewarding. Get cooking!

Sticky Black Pepper Chicken

A flavorful stir-fry dish featuring marinated chicken thighs with a spicy black pepper sauce and colorful vegetables.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes without moving, until browned.
  • Stir-fry the chicken until it's cooked through and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the chopped red and green bell peppers and sliced onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables soften but still retain crunch.
  • If desired, sprinkle in a little more cracked black pepper for an extra kick. Stir until well combined.
  • Remove from heat. Serve the sticky black pepper chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Allow the chicken to marinate for enhanced flavor.
Keyword black pepper, chicken, easy recipe, stir-fry