Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Black Pepper Chicken featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a savory sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated to ensure a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using, to create a balanced sauce with savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cook together for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken thoroughly and heat through.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the black pepper chicken to plates or a serving dish, and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- To reduce sodium, reduce the soy sauce or use low-sodium versions.
