Black Pepper Chicken is a stir-fry dish that features bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a rich black pepper sauce. The dish often includes vegetables like bell peppers and onions, adding freshness and crunch. The flavor profile is characterized by the warmth of black pepper, which gives the dish its signature kick, complemented by a slightly sweet sauce.

To create a delicious Black Pepper Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

1 lb. chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
¼ cup corn starch (for coating)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Vegetables

1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
1-2 tsp ginger (minced)

For the Black Pepper Sauce

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tbsp fruit jam (like apricot or peach, for sweetness)
2 tbsp chicken broth
1 tbsp tapioca starch (for thickening)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and corn starch. Toss until the chicken is well coated.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Vegetables: Toss in the diced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, soy sauce, fruit jam, chicken broth, and tapioca starch until smooth.
Combine Everything: Return the fried chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Serve

Serve your Black Pepper Chicken hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures!

Use Freshly Ground Pepper: The flavor of freshly ground black pepper is far superior to pre-ground. It adds a robust and aromatic quality to the dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure that each piece gets crispy. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than frying.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Making your own Chinese Buffet Black Pepper Chicken at home is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. With just a few key ingredients and steps, you can recreate this beloved dish that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you're enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Enjoy your culinary adventure and the delightful flavors of homemade Black Pepper Chicken!

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