One Pot Black Pepper Chicken
If you’re searching for a quick and delicious dinner that uses minimal dishes and maximizes flavor, look no further than One Pot Black Pepper Chicken. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a punchy black pepper sauce, this meal hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means less cleanup for you!
Why This Recipe Works
One Pot Black Pepper Chicken combines the classic flavors of ginger and garlic with the zing of black pepper, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it cooks in a savory sauce made from soy sauce (or coconut aminos), vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from coconut palm sugar or honey. The best part? Everything cooks together harmoniously in just one pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also adaptable, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal without the fuss.
Shopping List
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into cubes
- 1 red bell pepper – seeded and cut into strips
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 inch fresh ginger root – peeled and finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves – peeled and finely minced
- 3 tablespoons lite soy sauce (or coconut aminos, tamari, or Bragg Liquid Aminos)
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon coconut palm sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok – for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Cutting board and knife – for prepping the chicken and veggies.
One Pot Black Pepper Chicken Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Seed and slice the red bell pepper into strips, and finely mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process seamless.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to warm up for a minute before adding the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s spread out in an even layer. Season with 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you want to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and the remaining black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) to the skillet. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and the coconut palm sugar (or honey). Pour this mixture over the chicken and stir well to combine.
Step 6: Add the Bell Pepper
Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet, mixing it in with the chicken and sauce. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the bell pepper is tender but still crisp.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Give your One Pot Black Pepper Chicken a taste. If you feel it needs a little more kick, you can add an extra splash of soy sauce or a pinch more black pepper. Adjust the sweetness with a bit more coconut palm sugar or honey if desired.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve your One Pot Black Pepper Chicken hot. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers.
- Swap the red bell pepper for other colorful veggies like yellow bell pepper, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Incorporate a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
- Consider adding a handful of fresh basil or cilantro as a garnish for added freshness.
Cook’s Commentary
This One Pot Black Pepper Chicken is one of those recipes that you can easily customize based on what you have on hand. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different vegetables or proteins. You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a delightful twist. Remember, the key to this dish is balancing the flavors; you want that perfect harmony of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet. Enjoy the cooking process and make it your own!
Leftovers & Meal Prep
Leftovers of One Pot Black Pepper Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Just microwave it until heated through, and it’s ready to enjoy again! For meal prep, consider portioning it out with some cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal that’s easy to grab on busy days.
Questions People Ask
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken if you thaw it first. If using frozen chicken, make sure to cook it thoroughly until it reaches the safe internal temperature.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy-free option, coconut aminos or tamari are excellent substitutes. They provide a similar umami flavor without the soy.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness of One Pot Black Pepper Chicken primarily comes from the freshly ground black pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of black pepper used.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just follow the cooking steps when you’re ready to enjoy the dish for a quick meal!
Final Thoughts
One Pot Black Pepper Chicken is a delightful dish that ticks all the boxes for a busy home cook: it’s quick, easy, and oh-so-flavorful. The ability to make everything in one pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal with family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or prepping it for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort!
One Pot Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Seed and slice the red bell pepper into strips, and finely mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process seamless.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to warm up for a minute before adding the chicken.
- Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s spread out in an even layer. Season with 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you want to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and the remaining black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) to the skillet. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and the coconut palm sugar (or honey). Pour this mixture over the chicken and stir well to combine.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet, mixing it in with the chicken and sauce. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the bell pepper is tender but still crisp.
- Give your One Pot Black Pepper Chicken a taste. If you feel it needs a little more kick, you can add an extra splash of soy sauce or a pinch more black pepper. Adjust the sweetness with a bit more coconut palm sugar or honey if desired.
- Remove from heat and serve your One Pot Black Pepper Chicken hot. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers.
- Swap the red bell pepper for other colorful veggies like yellow bell pepper, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Incorporate a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
- Consider adding a handful of fresh basil or cilantro as a garnish for added freshness.
