Black pepper chicken is a stir-fry dish that features juicy chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful sauce made primarily from black pepper, soy sauce, and a variety of vegetables. Unlike traditional Chinese dishes that often use white pepper, black pepper chicken highlights the unique floral aroma and heat of black pepper, making it a standout choice for spice lovers.

To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
¼ tsp coarse sea salt
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp garlic powder

For the Vegetables:

1 medium red bell pepper, diced
6 oz celery, sliced diagonally
3.5 oz yellow onion, diced

For the Black Pepper Sauce:

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1.5 tbsp fruit jam (peach, apricot, or orange)
1.5 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
2 tbsp chicken stock or vegetable stock
¼ cup tapioca starch (or potato starch)
¼ cup avocado oil (for frying)

In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with coconut aminos, sea salt, baking soda, and garlic powder. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness.

In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken stock, coconut aminos, fruit jam, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Allow it to sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop a nice crust. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, then add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly until fragrant. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the black pepper sauce. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

Once everything is well coated and heated through, transfer the dish to a serving plate. Black pepper chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For the best flavor, always use freshly ground black pepper rather than pre-ground varieties. This enhances the dish's aroma and taste.

Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.

Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: Stir-frying is a quick process, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper in the sauce. For more heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.

Black pepper chicken is a delightful dish that combines the warmth of black pepper with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. It's easy to prepare at home, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen. Give it a try and savor the flavor of this classic Chinese-American dish!