One-Pot Black Pepper Chicken
This one-pot black pepper chicken combines tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and aromatic seasoning for a vibrant weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed Cut into even cubes for uniform cooking.
- 1 red bell pepper julienned For color and crunch.
- 1 yellow bell pepper julienned For color and crunch.
- 1 yellow onion sliced Adds sweetness.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, divided For sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced Adds warmth and flavor.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce For savory depth.
- 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar To balance flavors.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch For sauce thickening.
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp honey Adds sweetness.
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes For heat; adjust based on spice preference.
- 1 tsp sesame seed For garnish.
- 1 tbsp green onion For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by preparing your ingredients: Cut the onion and bell peppers into strips; julienne the red and yellow bell peppers for a colorful crunch. Cube the chicken breasts and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sauté until golden brown. Transfer to a plate to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, pour in another tablespoon of sesame oil and add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the julienned bell peppers and sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing well with the vegetables. Cook together for a couple of minutes for flavors to meld.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, coconut sugar, honey, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix until well-blended, then pour over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is cut evenly to cook uniformly. Don't rush the sauté step to allow flavors to infuse. For extra crunch, add roasted peanuts or cashews before serving. Adjust pepper and chili flakes to your spice preference.