Black Pepper Chicken

Looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress? Look no further than Black Pepper Chicken! This dish is bursting with savory, peppery goodness and is as easy as it is delicious. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, seared to golden perfection, and then finished with a punch of black pepper that will make your taste buds sing. It’s a dish that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to serve for guests. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Black Pepper Chicken

This recipe is the perfect blend of bold flavors and simplicity. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Bold and Flavorful: The star of the show is definitely the black pepper. It adds a warm, zesty kick to the chicken that’s not overpowering but perfectly balanced.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours to make this meal. With just a few simple steps, you can have a satisfying, flavorful dinner ready in no time.

Customizable: If you’re a fan of spice, feel free to add extra black pepper or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. You can also swap out the chicken for other proteins like beef or tofu.

Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies to create a complete meal that everyone will love.

Simple Ingredients: With only a handful of pantry staples, you won’t have to go hunting for special ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this peppery, delicious dish:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs
The protein of choice for this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Thighs are a bit juicier, but breasts will still give you that nice, tender texture.

Black Pepper
The star ingredient! Freshly ground black pepper gives the chicken a sharp, peppery punch that’s both aromatic and savory.

Garlic
Garlic adds a savory, aromatic element that complements the peppery flavor beautifully.

Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds that salty umami flavor that makes the chicken even more flavorful. It’s the perfect base for the marinade.

Olive Oil
Used for searing the chicken, olive oil gives the chicken a nice golden, crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside.

Honey
A touch of honey brings a subtle sweetness that balances the pepper’s heat. It’s a simple but genius addition to this recipe.

Salt
A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and brings everything together.

Lemon Juice (Optional)
For a little extra brightness and acidity, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds the perfect finishing touch.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this mouthwatering Black Pepper Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a generous amount of black pepper. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the bowl and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour if you have the time.

Prepare Your Pan
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat up for about 1-2 minutes.

Sear the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the pan. Sear each side for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If you’re using chicken breasts, check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Finish with Extra Pepper
After the chicken is cooked, sprinkle with more freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you want, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh burst of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Slice it up and serve! This dish is great with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the savory sauce. You could also opt for fried rice for an extra flavor boost.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers are a great way to add some veggies to the meal and balance out the richness of the chicken.

Noodles: Serve the chicken alongside some stir-fried noodles or spaghetti for a comforting and filling dinner.

Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that complements the savory chicken.

In a Wrap: For a lighter meal, slice the chicken thinly and serve it in a wrap with fresh veggies and a drizzle of ranch or your favorite dressing.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to elevate your Black Pepper Chicken even more:

Don’t Skimp on the Pepper: The black pepper is what gives this dish its flavor, so don’t be shy with it! If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add extra.

Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper makes a huge difference. If possible, use a pepper grinder for the best flavor.

Try with Different Proteins: This recipe works with chicken thighs, beef, or even tofu! Experiment with different proteins to suit your tastes.

Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick things up.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove to enjoy again.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A1: Yes, bone-in chicken can be used. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through properly.

Q2: Can I use a different type of oil?
A2: Absolutely! You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil that has a high smoke point for searing the chicken.

Q3: How can I make this dish spicier?
A3: Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a bit of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.

Q4: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
A4: Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors, but even 20 minutes of marinating works wonders.

Q5: Can I use ground black pepper instead of freshly ground?
A5: Freshly ground pepper has the best flavor, but if you only have pre-ground pepper, that will work too. Just use a bit more for the same flavor punch.

Q6: Can I make this recipe without honey?
A6: Yes, if you prefer a more savory dish, you can skip the honey and just focus on the soy sauce and black pepper for flavor.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Q8: Can I freeze the chicken?
A8: You can freeze the cooked chicken! Just be sure to wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q9: Can I add veggies to the dish?
A9: Absolutely! Add some bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to the pan while cooking the chicken for an extra dose of flavor and nutrition.

Q10: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A10: Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time by marinating it. Just cook it the day you plan to serve it.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple dinner. With its tender chicken, zesty black pepper, and just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness, it’s a dish that hits all the right notes. It’s easy to customize and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!

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