Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces sautéed in a spicy, aromatic black pepper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily adjusted for spice level, dietary preferences, and meal occasions, making it a family-friendly favorite with bold, satisfying flavors.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1–2 green chilies, sliced (optional)
- 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensuring even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help achieve a nice sear without steaming.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped garlic and sliced onions until fragrant and translucent, building the base for your sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and sauté until cooked through and slightly browned, which locks in juiciness and adds flavor.
- Add the Black Pepper Sauce: Mix in freshly cracked black pepper along with soy sauce and optional green chilies; stir well to coat the chicken evenly and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped spring onions for a fresh pop of color and taste. Serve hot for the best experience.
Notes
- Use fresh cracked black pepper for the best boldness and aroma.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken browns properly instead of steaming.
- Adjust the heat by adding more black pepper or green chilies according to your preferred spice level.
- For deeper flavor, marinate chicken briefly for 15 minutes in soy sauce and black pepper before cooking.
- If sauce is too thin, cook longer to reduce; add a splash of water if too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: black pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, spicy chicken, gluten free chicken, weeknight meals, sautéed chicken, homemade chicken dish