Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Flavor Enthusiasts

Crafting a delectable black pepper chicken dish promises an explosion of vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent pieces of tender meat absorb an incredible blend of aromatic spices.

Boldness emerges from each carefully seasoned morsel, creating a culinary experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Fragrant peppercorns provide a warm, slightly sharp undertone that elevates the entire meal.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive recipe with just a few key ingredients.

Layers of complex taste emerge from a straightforward cooking technique that anyone can replicate.

You’ll find this dish becomes an instant favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Prepare to be amazed by how a handful of spices can completely transform an ordinary chicken preparation.

Why Black Pepper Chicken Brings The Heat Just Right

• Unleash Bold Flavors: Dive into a culinary adventure with this black pepper chicken that bursts with intense, coarse-ground pepper crust and aromatic seasonings.
• Master Quick Cooking: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste in under an hour.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to suit personal preferences by adjusting pepper intensity, adding favorite herbs, or pairing with various side dishes for a flexible meal solution.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a professional-looking entrée that looks and tastes sophisticated, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with minimal cooking expertise.

Ingredients Needed For Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: A lean meat that serves as the main protein source for this flavorful dish.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Dried Thyme: These classic spices create a robust and aromatic flavor profile for the chicken.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the overall taste of the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil that helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.
• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, fresh garnish and add a pop of color to the final presentation.

How To Cook Black Pepper Chicken With Flavor

Step 1: Dry and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Generously coat the chicken with coarsely crushed black pepper, pressing the spice firmly into the meat to create a bold, flavorful crust.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatics

Finely mince the garlic cloves and dice the onion into small, consistent pieces to ensure even distribution of aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Wait until the oil shimmers and creates an ideal searing environment for the chicken.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Carefully position the pepper-crusted chicken into the hot skillet. Allow each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior that seals in the delicious juices.

Step 5: Add Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and dried thyme over the chicken while cooking, creating a layered and harmonious flavor profile.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The goal is a completely cooked chicken with a crispy, flavorful exterior.

Step 7: Prepare Fresh Garnish

While the chicken cooks, chop green onions and parsley to add a fresh, vibrant finishing touch to the dish.

Step 8: Rest and Finish

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-4 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped green onions and fresh parsley over the chicken, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor to the completed dish.

Tips To Make Black Pepper Chicken Pop

• Dry Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken with paper towels to remove moisture, helping seasonings stick better and creating a crispier exterior.
• Press Pepper Firmly: Crush black pepper coarsely and press into chicken meat to create a bold, robust flavor crust that enhances overall taste.
• Mince Garlic Finely: Chop garlic and onions into small, uniform pieces to distribute aromatic flavors evenly and ensure balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
• Control Cooking Heat: Use medium-high heat to create a perfect searing environment, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in chicken's natural juices.
• Rest Meat Strategically: Allow chicken to rest 3-4 minutes after cooking, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring each bite remains tender and flavorful.

Tasty Twists On Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Cayenne Kick: Replace black pepper with cayenne pepper for a fiery, intense flavor profile that adds bold heat to the chicken.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap thyme for a mix of oregano, rosemary, and basil to create a Mediterranean-inspired seasoning that transforms the dish's character.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cracked pepper to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative oils like avocado or coconut oil for those with dietary restrictions.

What To Pair With Black Pepper Chicken

• Elevate Black Pepper Chicken Pairing
• Uncork a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the pepper's richness with its bright, zesty acidity.
• Complement the chicken's bold flavors with its herbaceous notes and clean finish.
• Sauvignon Blanc's citrusy undertones will refresh the palate between savory bites.
• Spark the meal's complexity with each sip.
• Drizzle Extra Flavor Companion
• Whip up a quick lemon-herb aioli that adds tangy brightness to the peppery chicken.
• Blend mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon zest for a creamy, vibrant sauce.
• The citrus elements will enhance the dish's robust seasoning profile.
• Cut through the chicken's richness with zesty, herbal notes.

How To Store Black Pepper Chicken The Easy Way

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken whole or sliced to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bags, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safety.

Black Pepper Chicken FAQs That Help

• Why is patting the chicken dry important?

Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and allows for a crispier, more flavorful exterior when cooking.

• How can I ensure the chicken is properly seasoned?

Thoroughly coat the chicken with coarsely ground black pepper, pressing it into the meat to create an even, intense flavor crust.

• What's the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and completely cooked through.

• Can I adjust the pepper intensity?

Yes, you can modify the amount of black pepper based on your personal spice preference, adding more or less to suit your taste.

Peppercorn Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken delivers a bold flavor explosion straight from Chinese culinary traditions. Sizzling tender meat coated in rich, aromatic spices creates an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1/2 medium onion
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning absorption.
2. Crush the freshly ground black pepper coarsely and thoroughly coat the chicken pieces, pressing the pepper into the meat to create a robust, flavorful crust.
3. Mince the garlic cloves finely and dice the onion into uniform small pieces to distribute aromatic flavors evenly throughout the dish.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and creates a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
5. Carefully place the pepper-crusted chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior and seal in the juices.
6. Sprinkle salt and dried thyme over the chicken during cooking, enhancing the depth of flavor and creating a harmonious seasoning profile.
7. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s completely cooked through with a crispy exterior.
8. While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and parsley to prepare the fresh garnish that will add brightness and color to the final dish.
9. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, creating a vibrant and aromatic finishing touch to the black pepper chicken.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry to maximize seasoning absorption and create a crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Use freshly cracked black pepper for intense, bold taste that elevates the entire dish with robust aromatic notes.
• Achieve perfect sear by ensuring skillet is hot enough before adding chicken, creating golden-brown crust that seals in juices and develops deep, rich flavors.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking so internal juices redistribute, guaranteeing tender, succulent meat with maximum moisture retention.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg