This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a tasty dish that brings bold flavors to your table without much fuss. It’s made with juicy chicken pieces coated in a spicy black pepper sauce!
You can whip this up in no time, making dinner stress-free. I love serving it over fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce—so good, you might want a second helping! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless thighs add juiciness, while breasts are leaner. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, go with breast meat. You can even use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian spin!
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper really amps up flavor. If you want less heat, reduce the amount. A mix of black and white pepper can also add a different layer of taste!
Oyster Sauce: It gives a rich umami flavor. If you’re vegan, substitute with mushroom sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little sugar for sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or mix a little soy sauce with vinegar for a similar taste.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
The chicken should cook until it’s browned and no longer pink in the center. Here’s how:
- Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken—this helps sear it nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of browning it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Stir occasionally and check for doneness around the 6-minute mark. Cut a piece in half to check!
Following these tips will give you tender and juicy chicken every time!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, totaling around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
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 to get a nice sear on the chicken.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the pan. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent. This step builds a tasty base for your dish!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. You want them juicy and tender!
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce (if you’re using it), sugar, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated. Let it cook for a minute to infuse the flavors.
6. Add Liquid:
Next, Add water or chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, which helps to meld the flavors together.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and give it that glossy look. Keep stirring until you reach your desired thickness.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste the dish. Add salt if needed, and if you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to adjust the black pepper!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your black pepper chicken with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve it hot with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy black pepper chicken dinner!
FAQ for Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken for tofu, beef, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times: tofu needs a few extra minutes to get crispy, while shrimp cooks quickly—only about 3-5 minutes until pink and opaque.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute it with vegetarian mushroom sauce or simply use a little more soy sauce mixed with a pinch of sugar for a similar sweet and savory profile.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like it hot, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce mixture. You can also increase the amount of freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
