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Salt and pepper chicken thighs with peppers on plate

Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken

This Chinese salt and pepper chicken is spicy, easy and loaded with flavor! The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The peppers and onions are delicious too!
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red chili pepper, diced
  • 1 green chili pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • cup tapioca flour, or cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp Chinese five spice
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp ground pepper
  • chopped green onions, to garnish

Instructions 

  • First, dice onion and chili peppers.
  • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, chopped onions, chopped chili peppers, and minced garlic to a large skillet over low medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes or until onions have softened, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, slice chicken into 1 inch pieces. Add chicken, tapioca flour, Chinese five spice, salt and pepper to a bowl. Toss until chicken is completely coated.
  • Once onions are soft, remove onions, chilis and minced garlic from pan. Place on a plate nearby.
  • Add in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and coated chicken to skillet. Cook on medium for 7 to 8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, flipping every couple minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low. Return onions, chilis and garlic to pan. Cook on low for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Finally, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve!

Notes

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe.
  • Add more olive oil to skillet as needed.  It should never be dry.
  • This chicken is spicy.  Feel free to adjust seasonings as needed.
  • It is also very salty!  This is how it is supposed to be, but feel free to scale back on the salt level to suit your taste.
  • Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken is done cooking.  It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Calories: 427kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 215mg, Sodium: 1987mg, Potassium: 688mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 176IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 3mg