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Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a zesty black pepper sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. Using simple ingredients and fast cooking methods, it delivers bold, aromatic heat balanced with savory soy sauce and caramelized onions. Ideal served over rice, noodles, or veggies, this versatile recipe is a must-try for those craving a spicy yet fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly crushed black peppercorns
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Oil

  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (neutral oil for stir-frying)

Optional Ingredients

  • Optional chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and thinly slice the onion. Crush black peppercorns freshly for best flavor intensity.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with soy sauce, crushed black pepper, and minced garlic. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Heat the Pan: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir to cook evenly.
  5. Sauté the Onion: Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry until translucent and slightly caramelized, which adds sweetness and balances the pepper heat.
  6. Final Seasoning: Add any remaining black pepper and a splash more soy sauce if needed. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until well combined and heated through.

Notes

  • Use freshly crushed black peppercorns for the most pungent, lively pepper flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a nice sear instead of steaming.
  • Marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the chicken.
  • Cook over medium-high heat for a crispy texture without drying out the chicken.
  • Adjust the amount of black pepper gradually to suit your preferred spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: black pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, spicy chicken, quick dinner, stir-fry chicken, gluten free chicken, weeknight dinner