Easy Black Pepper Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Weeknight Wonders

BY :

Sofia

Posted On :

September 4, 2025

Craving a delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further than this Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe! This dish is a weeknight staple, perfect for busy families or anyone who appreciates a flavorful meal without the fuss. Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists – this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort. The rich, savory sauce coats tender chicken thighs, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Prepare for compliments galore as your family and friends savor each bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking a world of culinary possibilities. The basic recipe provides a solid foundation, allowing you to personalize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, add a touch of spice, or even transform it into a gluten-free masterpiece. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey with this versatile and adaptable recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Unbelievably Simple: The instructions are straightforward, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights. No special cooking skills required!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory soy sauce, pungent black peppercorns, and sweet brown sugar creates a truly unforgettable sauce. It’s a flavor bomb that will tantalize your taste buds.
Incredibly Versatile: Serve it over fluffy rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. It also pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Quick & Easy Cleanup: One pan, minimal dishes – what’s not to love? This recipe is designed for convenience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your delicious meal.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and inexpensive, making this recipe a fantastic option for those on a budget. Chicken thighs are also a more affordable cut of chicken than breasts.
Crowd-Pleaser: This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family, even picky eaters. The familiar flavors and tender chicken will satisfy everyone.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, experiment with different types of peppercorns, or adjust the sweetness to your liking. This is your recipe; personalize it to make it your own.

Why You Should Try This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Beyond the ease and deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to try this Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe:

Perfect for Beginners: This recipe is an excellent starting point for novice cooks, building confidence in the kitchen while delivering amazing results.
Impress Your Guests: Despite its simplicity, this dish tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. It’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Healthy and Nutritious: Chicken is a lean protein source, providing essential nutrients. You can further boost the nutritional value by adding plenty of vegetables.
Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully.
Satisfying and Filling: This dish is hearty and satisfying, providing a substantial and fulfilling meal. The combination of protein and carbohydrates will keep you full for hours.
Explore New Flavors: This recipe introduces you to the delightful combination of sweet and savory, a classic flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
Great for Leftovers: This recipe is even better the next day! The flavors meld together creating an even richer and more satisfying taste.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is key to recipe success. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Detailed List of Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Cutting them into 1-inch pieces ensures even cooking. Check out our other chicken recipes here!
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This is used to coat the chicken, helping it to brown beautifully and creating a slightly crispy texture. For gluten-free variations, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and the sauce. Use kosher salt or sea salt for a better flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a classic savory spice to the dish. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for a more intense flavor.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: High-heat oil with a neutral flavor is ideal for browning the chicken. You can substitute with other neutral-flavored oils like canola or sunflower.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides the base for the sauce, adding depth of flavor and moisture. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce helps to maintain flavor balance.
2 tablespoons black peppercorns, coarsely crushed: The star of the show! Coarsely crushing them releases their intense peppery aroma and flavor throughout the cooking process. Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, creating a more complex and enjoyable taste. Dark brown sugar offers a richer flavor.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a rich, glossy consistency. Make sure it’s well-mixed into the sauce to avoid lumps.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch.
1 small onion, chopped (optional): Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the sauce. White or yellow onion works perfectly.

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

Large skillet or wok: Provides ample space for browning the chicken and making the sauce. A non-stick skillet is preferred for easy cleanup.
Medium bowl: For combining the flour, salt, and pepper to coat the chicken.
Small bowl: For whisking together the sauce ingredients.
Whisk: For creating a smooth sauce without lumps.
Mortar and pestle or spice grinder: For coarsely crushing the black peppercorns.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the chicken and sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Cutting board and knife: For preparing the chicken and onion (if using).

Detailed Recipe Steps for Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create the most amazing Easy Black Pepper Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. **Ensure the flour is evenly distributed.** Add the 1-inch chicken pieces and toss gently to coat them completely. Make sure each piece is well-coated to ensure even browning and cooking.
Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. **The oil should be hot enough that the chicken sizzles when you add it.** Add the chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If using the onion, add it to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. **Don’t burn the onions; cook them until translucent.** Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it will become bitter.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, crushed black peppercorns, brown sugar, and cornstarch until completely smooth. **Make sure there are no cornstarch lumps; whisk vigorously.** This creates a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. **The sauce should be bubbling gently.** Return the browned chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s coated evenly in the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. **The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).**
Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, remove from the heat and serve your Easy Black Pepper Chicken immediately. Serve it hot over steamed rice, egg noodles, or your favorite grain. Garnish with some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired. Explore more recipe options on our website.

Tips and Variations for Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Here are some helpful tips and variations to elevate your Easy Black Pepper Chicken experience:

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Browning the chicken in batches ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden-brown crust. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of brown.
Adjust the spice level: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli florets, snow peas, or mushrooms, during the sautéing stage.
Use different types of peppercorns: Experiment with other peppercorns, such as Sichuan peppercorns or white peppercorns, for a unique flavor profile.
Thicken the sauce further: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch. Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce during the simmering stage.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour.
Vegan Option (challenging): While a true vegan replication of this recipe is difficult due to the use of chicken broth and soy sauce (which may contain animal products), you can experiment with vegetable broth and tamari or coconut aminos as substitutes. However, the flavor will be significantly different. Consider exploring other vegan stir-fry recipes on our site for a better experience.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Easy Black Pepper Chicken

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

Note: The nutritional information provided below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

Calories: Approximately 350-400
Protein: Approximately 35-40g
Fat: Approximately 15-20g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g

Benefits of Key Ingredients:

Chicken Thighs: A good source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for building and repairing tissues. They are also richer in flavor and moisture than chicken breasts.
Black Peppercorns: Rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Their pungent flavor adds a significant amount of taste without adding extra calories or fat.
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties and potential health benefits. It adds a flavorful punch to the dish.
Onion: A good source of vitamins and minerals and contributes to overall flavor balance.
Soy Sauce (use low sodium): While too much sodium is not healthy, soy sauce provides umami flavor.

FAQs about Easy Black Pepper Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

While you can use chicken breasts, they tend to dry out more easily than thighs. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time and ensure they’re not overcooked. Consider adding a bit more chicken broth to help maintain moisture.

How can I make this Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers. You can also use a spicier type of peppercorn blend.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prepping. Prepare the Easy Black Pepper Chicken a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will actually deepen overnight!

What can I serve this Easy Black Pepper Chicken with?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, egg noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also make a great side.

What if my sauce is too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water) and whisk it into the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering. Simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a true winner a flavorful, convenient, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its simplicity doesn’t compromise on taste; in fact, the straightforward method allows the rich flavors of the sauce and the tender chicken to shine. Remember to adjust the recipe to your own preferences. Add vegetables, change the spice level, or try different noodles. The culinary possibilities are endless!

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations on social media using #EasyBlackPepperChicken. And if you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, be sure to check out our other articles on cocinafacilita.com/recipes/! Let’s keep cooking and sharing the joy of food together. For more recipe inspiration, check out our Pinterest page: Cocina Facilita on Pinterest.