Chinese Pepper Chicken Recipe

Chinese Pepper Chicken is a delightful stir-fry recipe that balances the savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal to impress guests. With its straightforward preparation, it’s a fantastic choice for home cooks looking to bring restaurant-quality dishes to their kitchen.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know to prepare this dish, from ingredients and step-by-step directions to tips, benefits, and frequently asked questions.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 280 kcal

Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Chicken

To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Step-by-Step Directions for Chinese Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Begin by washing and drying the chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Slice the red and green bell peppers into thin strips. Peel and slice the onion.
3. Mince the garlic and ginger. Set everything aside in separate bowls for easy access.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Sear for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it softens.
3. Toss in the red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers are tender yet slightly crisp.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is coated in the flavorful sauce.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Chinese Pepper Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice.
2. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Chinese Pepper Chicken

• Cut Uniform Pieces: Ensure the chicken and vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Use High Heat: A hot skillet or wok is essential for a proper stir-fry. This prevents the ingredients from becoming soggy.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the dish.
• Prep Ingredients First: Since stir-frying is a fast process, have all your ingredients prepared and within reach before you start cooking.

Benefits of Chinese Pepper Chicken

1. Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the bell peppers, it’s a wholesome meal.
3. Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
4. Minimal Clean-Up: Since it’s cooked in one skillet or wok, cleaning up is a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and offer a slightly richer flavor. Ensure they are boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and a small amount of honey or brown sugar.

Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms, and ensure the sauces you use are vegetarian-friendly.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Chinese Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and savory sauce creates a balanced and satisfying meal. By following this guide, you’ll master the art of making this delicious stir-fry at home. Enjoy it as a quick dinner or impress guests with your culinary skills.

Try this recipe today and savor the taste of homemade Chinese Pepper Chicken!