Description
Garlic Black Pepper Chicken delivers a flavor explosion that brings serious zest to your dinner table. Tender chicken pieces packed with bold pepper and garlic notes make this quick weeknight meal a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions
- Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
- Cleanse your chicken by rinsing under cold water, then thoroughly blot each piece dry with paper towels. Cut the 1 lb of chicken into uniform 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized chunks.
- Create a marinade in a large bowl by whisking together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon salt. Fold chicken pieces into the mixture until evenly coated. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes.
- Crush 4 cloves of garlic and grind 1 tablespoon black pepper together in a small bowl. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you desire extra heat.
- Position a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour 2 tablespoons vegetable oil across the surface. Allow oil to shimmer and heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Arrange marinated chicken pieces in a single layer across the hot skillet. Let chicken sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Rotate chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, ensuring each chunk reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Slide chicken to one side of the skillet and drop garlic-pepper mixture into the empty space. Toast for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Blend garlic-pepper mixture thoroughly with chicken. Cook an additional minute to marry flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer chicken onto warm rice or noodles. Sprinkle 2 chopped green onions across the top for a fresh garnish.
Notes
- Patting the chicken completely dry before cooking helps achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and creates an appealing texture.
- Marinating the chicken for the full 1-2 hours allows the sauces and seasonings to penetrate deeply, making each bite more flavorful and tender.
- Fresh, coarsely ground black pepper makes a significant difference in the dish’s overall taste compared to pre-ground pepper, so grind it just before cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free, which maintains the authentic flavor profile without compromising dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 35-90 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 278 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg