Black Pepper Chicken (Ayam Lada Hitam) – No MSG
Experience the delightful burst of flavors in this Black Pepper Chicken, a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together juicy chicken pieces, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, all without the need for MSG. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 hot chili peppers, sliced (adjust according to heat preference)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste (alternatively, use ground pepper)
- Soy sauce, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Dice the red bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic cloves and slice the hot chili peppers.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and slightly softened.
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Add Garlic and Chili: Add the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Cook the Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
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Cook the Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the diced chicken breast to the pan. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown.
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Season the Dish: Pour in the soy sauce and season with black pepper (or ground pepper) to taste. Stir to combine. Add a splash of water to help create a bit of sauce. Let the mixture simmer until the water has reduced and the chicken is fully cooked.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the salt if necessary.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan and stir well. Continue cooking for another minute or until the sauce has thickened.
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Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious Black Pepper Chicken, a savory, spicy dish that’s sure to impress!