Name: Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips; 1 tbsp shaoxing wine; 1 tsp cornstarch; Pinch of salt; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; ½ onion, cut into wedges; 2 scallions, cut into ½-inch pieces, whites and greens separated; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp rice wine vinegar; 1 tsp shaoxing wine; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste; Additional freshly cracked black pepper

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips

1 tbsp shaoxing wine (for marinade)

1 tsp cornstarch

Pinch of salt

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

½ onion, cut into wedges

2 scallions, cut into ½-inch pieces, whites and greens separated

1 tbsp dark soy sauce

1 tbsp light soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp rice wine vinegar

1 tsp shaoxing wine (for sauce)

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips. Combine them with shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Finely mince the garlic, cut the onion into wedges, and chop the scallions into ½-inch pieces, keeping the whites and greens separate. In a small bowl, mix together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, shaoxing wine, sugar, and freshly cracked black pepper to prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Heat a pan with a little oil over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic, onion wedges, and scallion whites for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir well. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken.

Step 6: Serve the black pepper chicken hot over a bowl of steamed rice. Optionally, sprinkle with extra freshly cracked black pepper for added spice.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add sliced fresh chili or chili flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.

If you can’t find shaoxing wine, dry sherry or mirin can be used as substitutes in both the marinade and sauce.

Use chicken breast strips instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook them.

Garnish with a handful of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, though it cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly to keep it tender.

Is there a substitute for black pepper in this recipe?

While black pepper is key to the dish’s signature flavor, you can try white pepper or a mix of black pepper and Sichuan peppercorns for a slightly different spicy note.