Black Pepper Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American restaurants, featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, savory black pepper sauce. Unlike traditional Chinese recipes that often use white pepper, this dish highlights the complex flavors of black pepper, giving it a unique and aromatic profile. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.

To make this dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt
½ teaspoon baking soda (for tenderizing)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup tapioca starch (for coating)

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

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1.5 tablespoons fruit jam (peach, apricot, or orange)
2 tablespoons chicken broth
1.5 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

¼ cup avocado oil (or any high smoke point oil)

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with coconut aminos, salt, baking soda, and garlic powder. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful.

In a separate bowl, mix together the black pepper sauce ingredients: freshly ground black pepper, fruit jam, chicken broth, coconut aminos, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and set aside.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, followed by the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Stir-fry the vegetables for about 2 minutes until they are crisp but tender.

Pour the prepared black pepper sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well and let it simmer for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the sauce and fully cooked.

Serve your Black Pepper Chicken hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The flavor of freshly ground black pepper is much more intense than pre-ground pepper, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Ensure that the chicken and vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Work Quickly: Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, add a bit more chicken broth.

Feel free to customize your Black Pepper Chicken by adding different vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or carrots. You can also substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.

To make this dish gluten-free, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. With its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic black pepper sauce, it's sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that rivals your favorite restaurant!