This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare. With tender chicken pieces coated in a zesty black pepper sauce, it’s sure to please!
You can serve it alongside rice or vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love how the pepper gives it just the right kick without being too spicy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless chicken thighs for their juiciness. However, you can easily swap them for chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Tofu works really well in this dish, soaking up all those flavors!
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is essential for that bold flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount or use white pepper, which is milder.
Oyster Sauce: This is optional but adds a nice depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use oyster sauce, you can replace it with hoisin sauce or simply skip it. Soy sauce alone will still give you a lovely taste!
Vegetable Oil: I use vegetable oil for frying, but you could also use canola oil or peanut oil for a slightly different flavor. Olive oil can be used, too, but it has a lower smoke point, so keep the heat lower.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Right?
Cooking the chicken just right is key to this recipe. You want it to stay juicy and tender! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start with a hot skillet or wok to get a nice sear on the chicken.
- Add the onion first – it adds great flavor and helps to build the base.
- Once the chicken goes in, stir occasionally and let it cook until it’s mostly done before adding the black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer after adding the soy and oyster sauces. This will thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
Remember to adjust seasoning at the end. Tastes vary, and it’s always good to check! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 500 grams boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 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
- Salt to taste
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish is quick to prepare! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes from start to finish for a tasty dinner. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, so the chicken sizzles as you add it in!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the sliced onion to the pan and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which should take about 2 minutes. This adds a nice sweet base flavor to your dish.
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can make it taste bitter.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add your chicken pieces into the pan. Stir occasionally and let them cook until they turn white and are mostly cooked through—this will take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the Black Pepper:
Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the chicken. Stir well to make sure all the chicken is coated with that delicious peppery flavor!
6. Stir in the Flavorings:
Now, stir in the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, sugar, and water or chicken broth. Mix everything together well so that the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Let it Simmer:
Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This gives the chicken time to absorb the flavors, about 3-5 minutes should do it.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Remember, everyone’s taste buds are different, so make it to your liking!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh touch. Serve your black pepper chicken hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Black Pepper Chicken! It’s quick, flavorful, and bound to become a favorite in your dinner rotation!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts! They will cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out. Just ensure that the pieces are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! You can omit the oyster sauce if you don’t have it on hand. Alternatively, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor, or just use an extra tablespoon of soy sauce for a simpler taste.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the soy sauce. You can also increase the amount of black pepper to your liking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
