This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a tasty dish that’s full of flavor! Tender chicken is cooked with a kick of black pepper, soy sauce, and garlic, making it super enjoyable.
You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love serving it with rice to soak up all that yummy sauce—it’s my little happiness on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are my favorite because they stay juicy, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. For a lighter option, you could even swap in tofu instead for a vegetarian twist!
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives the best flavor. If you don’t have whole peppercorns, ground black pepper will do, but start with less since it’s stronger. I love an extra kick, so I add a bit more!
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can try hoisin sauce or even teriyaki sauce as alternatives, though they will change the flavor slightly.
Vegetable Oil: You can use canola or peanut oil, too. Olive oil works, but it has a lower smoke point, so be careful not to burn it while cooking.
How Do You Cook Chicken So It’s Tender and Juicy?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is all about the right technique. Here’s how to ensure yours comes out tender:
- Start with a hot skillet; this seals in the juices quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This helps brown the chicken instead of steaming it.
- Cook just until the chicken turns white and lightly browns, around 5-7 minutes, to avoid drying it out.
Following these steps makes a huge difference! Trust me, tender chicken makes all the difference in your black pepper chicken dish.
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly cracked (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious black pepper chicken will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it’s hot. This will help make the chicken nice and crispy!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can turn bitter if cooked too long.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they are white and just beginning to brown. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, stir in the sliced onion and bell pepper (if you are using it), cooking for about 3 more minutes until the vegetables soften.
5. Mix in the Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water or chicken broth. Stir well to coat all the chicken and veggies with the sauce.
6. Add Black Pepper:
Sprinkle the freshly cracked black pepper over the mixture. Stir to combine well, and feel free to taste it and add more pepper if you enjoy a spicier flavor!
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a little and the chicken is fully cooked. Make sure to check that the chicken is no longer pink inside.
8. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and add salt if needed, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve your black pepper chicken hot with steamed rice or your favorite side and enjoy this easy, flavorful dinner!
FAQ for Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed first! Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, simply add more freshly cracked black pepper to the dish. You can also include some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat before serving, stirring occasionally for even warming.
What Should I Serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but you can also serve it over noodles or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
