Quick Black Pepper Chicken Ready in Minutes

This peppery chicken is built for speed and big flavor, perfect for a busy weeknight. It uses boneless thighs for juicy results and a simple sauce that thickens in moments. Prep takes minutes and the skillet does the rest, leaving you more time for other tasks. Try pairing it with a quick rice or greens for a full meal. For another fast skillet dinner idea, check out this creamy Mediterranean chicken skillet.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on high heat and short cook time so the chicken stays tender while developing color. Using boneless thighs keeps the meat forgiving and fast to cook. Freshly ground black pepper is the star and needs only a brief marinade to shine. A tiny cornstarch slurry turns simple sauces into a glossy finish with no fuss. The method keeps steps linear so you can multitask easily while cooking. If you like spice or extra crunch, add a quick toss of crushed pepper or toasted sesame seeds after cooking. For a different flavor route that is just as quick, see this peanut butter and jelly chicken wings twist.

Flavor and Texture

The dominant notes are bright, sharp black pepper and savory soy and oyster sauces. Onions and green pepper add sweetness and a slight bite that contrasts the pepper. Garlic brings a warm aromatic base that lifts the whole dish. Cornstarch gives a silky coating so every bite clings to sauce without being gloopy. Finished green onions add freshness and a pop of color. Overall you get savory, peppery, slightly sweet, and juicy in every mouthful.

Ingredients

* 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* Salt to taste
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* Green onions for garnish, chopped

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until chicken is browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the mixture. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 5 more minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use pre-cut or pre-trimmed chicken thighs to save prep time. Toast and grind your black pepper in batches and store it for the week to speed up marinating. If you only have chicken breasts, slice them thinly and reduce final cook time by a couple minutes. Swap oyster sauce for an equal mix of soy and a splash of mushroom sauce if needed. Serve over instant rice or steamed greens to keep the whole meal under 30 minutes.

Storage and Meal Prep

Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For meal prep, portion with rice and steamed vegetables for easy grab-and-go lunches. Avoid freezing with vegetables in the mix; freeze only plain cooked chicken in sauce for up to one month.

Short Closing Note

This Black Pepper Chicken gives you dinner done fast without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s flexible, forgiving, and designed for busy cooks who want a reliable, tasty meal.

Conclusion

For a deeper look at technique and variations on the classic, see this helpful guide on Black Pepper Chicken – The Woks of Life.

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