Black Pepper Chicken
Juicy and flavorful Black Pepper Chicken made with tender chicken pieces marinated in soy sauce and freshly cracked black pepper, quickly cooked with garlic, onions, and optional bell peppers to create a perfectly balanced peppery and savory dish. This easy recipe takes under 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality meal ideal for any occasion.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2–3 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (optional), diced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- Pinch of salt, to taste
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the garlic and onions, and dice the bell peppers if using. Have all ingredients ready before you start cooking as the process moves quickly.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic and onions, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, releasing their sweet aromas.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the meat, sealing in the juicy flavors.
- Add Bell Peppers and Season: When the chicken is nearly cooked, toss in the diced bell peppers. Season with additional black pepper and a pinch of salt. Cook until the peppers are crisp yet tender.
- Final Stir and Serve: Stir everything together one last time to blend the flavors well. Serve the Black Pepper Chicken hot, paired with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Always use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum aroma and flavor.
- Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming; this ensures a proper sear.
- Maintain medium-high heat throughout cooking to develop a rich caramelization on the chicken.
- Marinating the chicken, even briefly, greatly enhances the flavor profile.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest a few minutes before serving to ensure tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Black Pepper Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Dinner, Sautéed Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Gluten-Free Chicken Dish