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Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken
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Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with freshly cracked black pepper and aromatics, coated in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this recipe offers bold flavors balanced with comforting warmth and versatility to pair with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Main Ingredients

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Aromatics and Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water or broth

Optional Garnishes and Variations

  • Chopped fresh chili or chili flakes (for extra heat)
  • Fresh basil or cilantro (for herb infusion)
  • Toasted sesame seeds or cashews (for nutty crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Lightly season with salt and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper to start building the signature flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a hot pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onions. Cook until fragrant and onions are soft and translucent, forming the aromatic base of the dish.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir frequently to achieve a golden-brown sear on the outside while cooking through without drying out. This locks in juices and keeps the texture tender.
  4. Build the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce (if using), and water or broth. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken and aromatics, stirring to combine well. Dissolve cornstarch in a little water to make a slurry and add to the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats each piece.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chicken and adjust seasoning with additional black pepper or salt if desired. Once the sauce is thick and the chicken is fully cooked, remove from heat and serve immediately for optimal flavor and juiciness.

Notes

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum aroma and intensity.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get a proper sear rather than steamed chicken.
  • For enhanced flavor, marinate chicken briefly in soy sauce and black pepper for 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Maintain high heat throughout cooking to seal in juices and develop a slight crunch.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry or broth according to preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Pepper Chicken, quick dinner, stir-fry, spicy chicken, easy Asian recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/black-pepper-chicken/