Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Black Pepper Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings out the warmth and depth of black pepper, complemented by tender chicken. The seasoning is bold, with a rich sauce that adds a savory kick to every bite. It’s perfect for those who enjoy spicy and peppery flavors with a touch of sweetness. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or when you want something easy yet delicious. The balance of heat and flavor will have you coming back for more!

Black Pepper Chicken

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to reduce slightly.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Serve the Black Pepper Chicken over steamed rice and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a chopped fresh chili to increase the heat in the dish.
Vegetable addition: Include vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to add color and nutrition to the dish.
Alternative sweeteners: If you prefer, swap the honey with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Chicken alternatives: Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish, or try this recipe with tofu for a vegetarian option.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Let the Black Pepper Chicken cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure not to overcook it, as it can dry out more easily than thighs.

2. Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?

Yes, you can use a soy sauce alternative like coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce if you prefer a gluten-free version.

3. How do I make the dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can add more black pepper, some chili flakes, or even fresh chopped chilies to the sauce.

4. Can I use a different sweetener besides honey?

Yes, you can replace honey with brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave syrup, depending on what you have on hand.

5. Can I add vegetables to the Black Pepper Chicken?

Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms would complement the dish beautifully. Add them in when cooking the onions.

6. Is it necessary to thicken the sauce with cornstarch?

If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch. The cornstarch just helps give the sauce a nice, velvety texture.

7. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve, and it should taste just as good.

8. Can I freeze Black Pepper Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stovetop.

9. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can try this recipe with beef even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you use.

10. How do I adjust the flavor balance?

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more black pepper for heat, more honey for sweetness, or more soy sauce for saltiness until you achieve the perfect balance.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a savory, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. The balance of black pepper, soy sauce, and honey creates a harmonious sauce that coats the tender chicken beautifully. Whether you serve it over rice or enjoy it as a standalone dish, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Quick, flavorful, and satisfying, Black Pepper Chicken is the kind of dish everyone will love!

Chef MARTHA