Black Pepper Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers a punch of spicy, peppery flavor balanced by a savory soy sauce glaze. It’s simple to prepare, packed with protein, and great for those who love a little heat and robust taste in their meals.

ingredients

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

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Return chicken to the skillet. Add black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

4. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.

5. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra veggies.

• Use ground black pepper for a milder flavor or crushed peppercorns for more texture.

• Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

• Add chili flakes or fresh chili for extra heat.

• Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this spicy?

Add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to taste.

How much black pepper should I use?

Adjust to your preference; start with 1 tablespoon and increase gradually.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Can I add other proteins?

Shrimp or tofu work well as alternatives.

How do I prevent chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and use chicken thighs if possible.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Cook chicken and sauce separately and combine before serving.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

No, but it adds depth; omit or substitute with hoisin sauce if desired.

Can I garnish with fresh herbs?

Yes, cilantro or basil add fresh notes.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish that highlights bold peppery heat and savory sauces. Perfect for busy nights, this easy stir-fry is a delicious way to enjoy tender chicken with a spicy kick.

Black Pepper Chicken

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Black Pepper Chicken is a savory, spicy stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with bold black pepper, garlic, and soy sauce. This flavorful and quick-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
   
   2 tablespoons vegetable oil
   
   1 large onion, sliced
   
   4 cloves garlic, minced
   
   1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
   
   3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
   
   1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
   
   1 teaspoon sugar or honey
   
   1/2 cup chicken broth or water
   
   2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

1. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Return chicken to the skillet. Add black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

1. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra veggies.
2. Use ground black pepper for a milder flavor or crushed peppercorns for more texture.
3. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
4. Add chili flakes or fresh chili for extra heat.
5. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options.
6. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: Approx. 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg