Nutritious Homemade Black Pepper Chicken Recipe – A Protein Powerhouse with Health Benefits
Ingredients for Homemade Black Pepper Chicken
Having the right ingredients on hand is key to cooking up a storm. For this delectable homemade black pepper chicken, you’ll need:
Table 1. Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 2 pieces |
| Black Pepper Corns | 1.5 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 inch |
| Green Chili | 1 piece |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Capsicum/Bell pepper | 1 small |
| Dark Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Vinegar | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Vegetable Oil | for cooking |
Looking to give this classic recipe a twist? Check out these unique tips for enhancing flavor and depth. Swapping out plain white sugar with brown sugar infuses a smoky, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the heat of black pepper. Alternatively, enhance umami flavors by substituting dark soy sauce with oyster sauce. You’ll experience a more complex flavor profile that sets your dish apart.
Nutrition matters! Cooking from scratch gives you control over what goes into your meals. Understanding the nutritional content of your food allows you to make choices that align with your diet or health goals.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245kcal |
| Carbs | 7g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Fat | 7g |
Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With this homemade black pepper chicken, you can savor each bite knowing you’ve prepared a meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
We’re on to the compelling part, cooking our Homemade Black Pepper Chicken! This simple and detailed guide will have you whipping up this delightful dish in no time.
Start by pre-heating your oven to 375 degrees. While waiting, mix the following in a bowl: 1 lb of chicken thighs, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of black pepper. Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper depending on your spice tolerance.
If you’d prefer to bring a unique twist to your dish try swapping out the brown sugar. Option for honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Here’s the next part. Marinate the chicken in this mixture. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, though it’s ideal to leave it overnight for a richer flavor. Now, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will help in the easy cleanup later. Arrange the marinated chicken onto the sheet and pop it in the oven. A 20-minute oven time should suffice for a juicy and tender result but feel free to adjust depending on your preference.
Lastly, heat up a pan, add some oil and sauté 1 chopped red bell pepper and 1 chopped green bell pepper in it. Now add the baked chicken to the pan, garnish with freshly ground black pepper and spring onions. To add a touch of complexity to the taste, a dash of oyster sauce could do the trick. However, this is optional and the chicken will still taste great without it.
We now present for your culinary convenience, the recipe data in a clear, easy-to-read table:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 1 lb |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Brown Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Black Pepper | 2 tbsp |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1 |
| Green Bell Pepper | 1 |
| Spring onions | For garnish |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
Tips for Making the Perfect Black Pepper Chicken
There’s an art to making the perfect homemade black pepper chicken. With a few tips, you’ll move from novice to master, creating a dish that not only pleases your taste buds but dazzles your friends and family too.
First things first: choosing the right chicken is essential. Quality matters, so opt for organically raised, free-range chickens if you can. They’ve got a rich, fuller flavor that’ll add depth to your dish. Remember, better ingredients lead to better end results.
Next up, let’s talk about the marinade. This dish benefits significantly from ample marinating time, heightening the flavors and tenderizing the chicken. Don’t skimp on this step! Ideally, marinade your chicken overnight, but if you’re short on time, aim for at least two hours.
The use of soy sauce and brown sugar have already been highlighted, but here’s something you might want to try: substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar. Not only do these alternatives add a sweet kick, but they also offer a smoother and more complex flavor profile.
Moreover, the bell peppers. You don’t have to stick to using green ones. Mix it up and use different colored bell peppers. Each color brings its own flavor quotient, adding complexity to the overall dish.
Finally, we get to the star of the show, black pepper. Invest in whole black peppercorns and grind them freshly for the recipe. You’ll thank us later. Fresh grinding releases the volatile oils in the pepper, contributing to a more robust flavor punch.
But what about nutrition, you might ask? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional info:
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 308 | 23g | 28g | 11g |
Remember, perfection lies in the details. With these tips under your belt, you’re set to create a black pepper chicken dish that’s sure to make a lasting impression.
Serving Suggestions
Having prepared your Homemade Black Pepper Chicken, you’re halfway finished. Now, let’s talk about serving and side options to fully round off your meal.
Pairing Your Chicken
It’s common to serve your black pepper chicken over a bed of hot, steamed rice. Brown rice provides a healthier, fibrous option and complements the robust flavors quite well. You could also opt for quinoa or couscous, both excellent nutritious alternatives.
How about some noodles? A bowl of egg noodles or glazed udon will complement those complex, spicy flavors. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious balance of sweet, sour and spicy on your plate.
Adding Veggies
The addition of vegetables not only adds nutritional value but also brings an array of colors to your dish. Consider broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini. Cook them al dente to preserve their crunch; it will be a great contrast to your tender, succulent chicken.
Adding Sauce
Let’s not forget about the sauce! A nice drizzle of soy or teriyaki sauce will blend seamlessly with your black pepper chicken. It’s a traditional touch that definitely won’t disappoint.
Remember as you explore these pairings and additions, the essence of your dish is in the black pepper chicken. These serving suggestions are merely ways to enhance your main masterpiece.
Bon Appétit.
Health Benefits of Black Pepper Chicken
Let’s take a detour and explore the healthy side of our delectable Homemade Black Pepper Chicken. You’ll be surprised to know how nutritional this dish is. Not only will it satisfy your taste buds, it is also an excellent source of various essential nutrients.
Protein Powerhouse
No secret here; chicken is a fantastic source of protein. But do you have any idea how beneficial this nutrient is? Protein is crucial to maintain and repair body tissues. It helps your body to produce enzymes, hormones, and is also necessary for bone, muscle, hair and skin health. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, an average-sized chicken breast has 54 grams of protein.
Black Pepper Benefits
You might regard black pepper as a mere seasoning, but it’s much more than that. Black pepper, especially when freshly-ground, has a wealth of health benefits. It aids digestion, promotes weight loss and has potent antioxidant properties. Piperine, the active compound in black pepper, is known to enhance nutrient absorption in the body. It’s also believed to boost brain health.
Vibrant Veggies
The addition of veggies like broccoli and snap peas not only brings color and crunch; they’re nutritional powerhouses too. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, K and a good source of fiber. Snap peas add a healthy dose of vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and a healthy burst of energy with their natural sugars.
Here’s a short statistical breakdown of the nutrients found in our Homemade Black Pepper Chicken:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Protein | 54g |
| Dietary fiber | 2.3g |
| Vitamin A | 12% of the DV |
| Vitamin C | 134% of the DV |
| Vitamin K | 101% of the DV |
| Vitamin E | 5% of the DV |
*DV = Daily Value
As you can see, making Black Pepper Chicken at home isn’t just about taste. It’s also a smart choice for those conscious of their nutritional intake. The wholesome ingredients used in this recipe contribute to an impressive nutrient profile that promotes overall health. Remember, a colorful plate not only is attractive to the eyes but it’s often healthier for your body too.
Conclusion
You’ve now seen the power of Homemade Black Pepper Chicken. It’s not just a feast for your taste buds, it’s also a protein-packed meal that’s good for your health. With the added benefits of black pepper and the nutrient-rich veggies, it’s a dish that truly delivers on both taste and nutrition. Whether you’re looking to boost your protein intake, lose weight, or just enjoy a delicious homemade meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes. So why wait? It’s time to bring this flavorful, nutritious dish to your kitchen. Remember, eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With this Homemade Black Pepper Chicken recipe, you’re set for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy!
