Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something delicious and satisfying. With a deliciously savory sauce made from black pepper, soy sauce, and garlic, the chicken breasts are tender and bursting with flavor. The best part? This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a family meal. Whether served with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables, this recipe is a perfect balance of spice, savory depth, and easy-to-make goodness. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and half of the black pepper. Set aside.
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Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
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Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the remaining black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and honey. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor to the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to absorb the flavors.
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Garnish and serve: Transfer the chicken to serving plates and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or a side of your choice.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, peppery flavors of this easy and delicious dish!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce if you like your dishes on the spicier side.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the skillet to make the dish even heartier and more colorful.
- Different Protein: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier version of this dish or swap it out for another protein like shrimp or pork.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground black pepper instead of freshly ground?
While freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor, you can use pre-ground black pepper if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them when ready to serve.
3. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content. You can also adjust the seasoning afterward to suit your taste.
4. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts and will add more flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste into the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred level of heat.
6. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave syrup, or coconut sugar as a substitute for honey. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, this dish works well with added vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli. Just sauté them in the skillet with the chicken for added flavor and texture.
8. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stovetop.
9. Can I use store-bought ginger paste instead of fresh ginger?
Yes, you can use ginger paste or ground ginger as a substitute for fresh ginger. If using ground ginger, use about 1/2 teaspoon in place of the fresh ginger.
10. Can I make this dish without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can omit the oyster sauce and just use soy sauce for a lighter, simpler version of this dish. You could also add a dash of fish sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The tender chicken, bold black pepper sauce, and savory seasoning come together to create a dish that’s full of satisfying flavor in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Easy to make, delicious, and quick—this is a must-try recipe!
Print
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory black pepper sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and optional oyster sauce. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this flavorful dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables. A must-try for spice lovers and a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and half of the black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the remaining black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), and honey. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for another minute.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the chicken to serving plates, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or a side of your choice.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the peppery, savory flavors!
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or tempeh for a plant-based dish.
- Add Vegetables: Include bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to make it heartier.
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