Description

Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender chicken infused with freshly cracked black pepper and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners, this flavorful dish is versatile, family-friendly, and simple to prepare with minimal cleanup. Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade

1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)

Sauce & Aromatics

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (additional)
1 teaspoon sugar or honey
Optional: green chilies or bell peppers, sliced, for garnish and extra crunch

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and finely slice the onions and garlic. Coarsely crack fresh black pepper to maximize its bold flavor.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and the cracked black pepper. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the base flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry over medium-high heat until fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Sauce and Pepper: Stir in the additional soy sauce, sugar or honey, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish and Serve: If using, toss in green chilies or bell peppers for a fresh crunch. Give everything a final stir, plate the chicken, and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor; pre-ground black pepper lacks vibrancy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking to ensure even browning; cook in batches if necessary.
Allow the chicken to marinate even briefly to improve tenderness and soak up flavors.
Add sauce ingredients gradually and taste frequently to achieve a balanced salty, sweet, and spicy flavor.
Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

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