Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken with a savory and aromatic black bean sauce. The dish uses minimal ingredients but is packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

  • 13 oz skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 pinch salt

  • 2 tbsp water

  • 1 tsp neutral cooking oil

• For Stir-frying:

  • 1½ tbsp neutral cooking oil (divided)

  • 3 stalks scallions, cut into sections

  • 2 fresh chili peppers (or 1 bell pepper), cut into chunks

  • 2 tbsp homemade black bean sauce (adjust if using store-bought)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and water. Stir well until the chicken becomes sticky. Add 1 tsp of oil and mix to coat. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.

2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat a wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil and swirl to coat. Add the marinated chicken and sear until the surface is no longer pink. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

3. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
   In the same pan, add another ½ tbsp oil. Add the chopped scallions and chili peppers. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until the scallions start to wilt and the peppers stay crunchy.

4. Combine the Dish:
   Return the chicken to the pan. Add the black bean sauce and stir-fry for 1 minute until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.

5. Serve:
   Serve the chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 637

• Protein: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Fat: 49g

• Sodium: 252mg

• Cholesterol: 138mg

Why Chicken with Black Bean Sauce Works So Well

What makes this dish so appealing is its simplicity and depth of flavor. The black bean sauce is a key component, bringing a savory umami flavor that complements the tender chicken. The sauce is made from fermented black beans, which give it a rich, salty taste that pairs perfectly with the mildness of chicken. The stir-fry method ensures that the chicken stays juicy while the vegetables retain their crunch, offering a satisfying contrast in textures.

The fresh chili peppers or bell pepper provide a touch of heat and sweetness, which balances out the richness of the black bean sauce. The addition of scallions adds a fresh, aromatic note that brightens up the dish. The whole combination, served over rice or noodles, creates a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients for Chicken with Black Bean Sauce

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts are ideal for this dish. Chicken thighs are particularly tender and flavorful, but breasts can be used if preferred. The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for stir-frying.

• Black Bean Sauce: Black bean sauce is the heart of this dish, bringing a savory, umami flavor. It can be made from scratch or bought pre-made. Homemade black bean sauce is recommended for freshness and customization, but store-bought versions are convenient and just as flavorful.

• Scallions and Chili Peppers: These ingredients add brightness and a touch of heat to the dish. The scallions provide an aromatic element, while the chili peppers (or bell peppers) add a spicy kick and a sweet crunch.

• Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a light, crispy coating when seared. This ensures the chicken has a nice texture and holds onto the flavors of the sauce.

• Neutral Cooking Oil: A neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, is used to cook the chicken and vegetables. It has a high smoke point, allowing the chicken to sear and brown without burning.

How to Make Chicken with Black Bean Sauce

Making Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is quick and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this flavorful stir-fry:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and water. Stir well until the chicken becomes sticky, and then add 1 teaspoon of oil to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken becomes tender and has a light coating when seared.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the marinated chicken and sear it until the surface is golden brown and no longer pink. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another ½ tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped scallions and chili peppers. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until the scallions begin to wilt and the peppers remain crunchy. This step brings out the aroma of the scallions and the heat of the peppers.

4. Combine the Dish: Return the seared chicken to the pan. Add the black bean sauce and stir-fry for 1 minute, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the sauce and fully cooked through. The sauce will thicken and glaze the chicken, creating a rich, flavorful coating.

5. Serve: Serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, allowing the savory sauce to soak into the rice or noodles for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a perfect dish when served with steamed rice or noodles. The rice will absorb the rich sauce, making each bite even more flavorful. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or stir-fried greens for a more complete meal. The freshness of the vegetables will balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.

For those who like a bit more heat, you can adjust the number of chili peppers used in the stir-fry, or serve the dish with a side of chili sauce to amp up the spice level.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Chicken with Black Bean Sauce contains approximately 637 calories, with 38g of protein from the chicken. The dish is relatively high in fat (49g), which comes from the oil used for stir-frying and the natural fats in the chicken. The carbohydrates are low (12g), making this a great option for a low-carb meal. The sodium content is 252mg per serving, coming from the soy sauce and black bean sauce, so be mindful of your sodium intake if you are watching your salt consumption. The cholesterol content is 138mg due to the chicken.

Conclusion: A Quick and Flavorful Stir-Fry

Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. The tender chicken, savory black bean sauce, and vibrant vegetables create a dish full of depth and character. Whether served with rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.

With its quick cooking time and minimal ingredients, Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a great choice for those who crave bold, savory flavors without the hassle of complex preparation. Give it a try, and you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal ready in no time!