This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful dish full of tender chicken and a kick of spice! With its tangy sauce and simple ingredients, dinner is sure to be a hit.
I love how quick it is to whip up—perfect for busy nights. Just toss everything in the pan, and you’re good to go! Serve it over rice for a yummy meal. 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, chicken breast is great, but thighs are juicier. If you prefer plant-based, tofu or tempeh can substitute beautifully!
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor. If you have whole peppercorns, use a spice grinder for the freshest taste. For a milder version, reduce the amount or try white pepper instead.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds depth, but you can skip it if you want a lighter dish. If you’re vegetarian, look for mushroom-based oyster sauce as a tasty alternative.
Onion & Garlic: Yellow onions and fresh garlic are standard, but feel free to use shallots or green onions for a different flavor. Garlic powder can be a quicker substitute if you’re in a pinch.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky! To ensure it’s tender and juicy, follow these tips:
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the chicken space to brown nicely.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink inside—about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have juicy chicken every time! Enjoy making this dish your own!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough so that the chicken cooks quickly!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the hot oil. Sauté them together until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent—this will take about 2-3 minutes!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Then, toss in the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the middle, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Pepper:
Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over it, mixing well to coat all the pieces evenly with that delicious peppery flavor.
5. Incorporate the Sauces:
Next, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you want that extra flavor), sugar, and water or chicken broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
To thicken your sauce, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually pour this into the pan while stirring continuously. You want the sauce to thicken nicely and coat the chicken evenly.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Now, taste the dish! Add salt if needed and adjust the pepper based on how spicy you like it. Tweak it to your personal preference!
8. Garnish:
Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove the dish from heat and garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for that lovely finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot Black Pepper Chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dishes. Dig in and enjoy this flavorful, easy dinner that’s sure to please!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will add more flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can omit the oyster sauce entirely, or substitute it with a touch of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or even a bit of teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! To amp up the heat, you can add more freshly ground black pepper or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance!
Enjoy your cooking, and feel free to mix it up!
