Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Garlic Black Pepper Chicken, a recipe that combines the rich flavors of garlic, soy, and oyster sauce with the punch of black pepper, all layered over succulent chicken thighs. It’s a savory delight that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic and black pepper ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of black pepper.
- Crowd Pleaser: Impress family and guests with a dish that looks restaurant-quality but is simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this Garlic Black Pepper Chicken a showstopper. Each one plays a critical role in building the dish’s complex and satisfying flavors.
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skin-on for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds a deep, umami flavor that’s incredible with the chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, rich backdrop that enhances all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: The star spice of the dish; adjust according to your heat preference.
- Garlic: Minced into tiny bits to infuse every sauce glaze with its savory goodness.
- Honey: Balances out the spice and saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- Ketchup: Gives the sauce a beautiful color and a slight tang.
- Butter: Ensures a smooth, rich finish to the sauce, enhancing every bite.
Variations
Cooking at home means you’re the boss. Personalize your Garlic Black Pepper Chicken to suit your taste buds by exploring these delightful variations!
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes for an extra layer of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian delight.
- Sweet and Tangy: Add a dash of lemon juice for a refreshing zest.
How to Make Garlic Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of the dish.
Step 2: Sizzle and Sear
Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Once hot, place the chicken skin side down, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden. Set aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauce Magic
In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, black pepper, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, and ketchup. Stir until fully blended.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add butter to the pan and pour in the sauce, letting it simmer for about a minute. Place the chicken back in the pan and coat with sauce, cooking an additional 1-2 minutes per side on medium-high heat until everything is well glazed.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Black Pepper Chicken
- Crisp the Skin Perfectly: Use medium-high heat to ensure the chicken skin crisps beautifully without overcooking.
- Sauce Consistency: Allow the sauce to thicken slightly before adding the chicken for maximum flavor infusion.
- Adjust Spice with Precision: Fine-tune the amount of black pepper to match your spice threshold.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after searing helps retain its natural juices and rich flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Black Pepper Chicken
Garnishes
Top your dish with finely chopped scallions or fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and an extra layer of freshness that complements the flavors impeccably.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or a side of steamed vegetables. Both options help balance the rich and robust flavors of the chicken, making for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken over a bed of sauteed greens or even on a wooden board. Add a couple of sliced chilies for those who love a colorful and spicy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures it stays fresh and retains its flavors.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container, where it can be stored for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a pan over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Heat until thoroughly warmed through.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they’ll require less cooking time. Ensure not to overcook to maintain juiciness.
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What can I use as a substitute for oyster sauce?
A soy sauce and hoisin sauce mix works as a great substitute for oyster sauce in this recipe.
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Is Garlic Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?
Not inherently, as soy sauce contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
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How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce spice, lower the amount of black pepper and skip any additional spicy garnishes like chilies.
Final Thoughts
Give Garlic Black Pepper Chicken a try, and bring a touch of gourmet flair to your dinner table. Its irresistible flavor profile and simple preparation will surely make it a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Enjoy the delicious moments!
Print
Garlic Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and savory garlic black pepper chicken recipe featuring crispy-skinned thighs cooked to perfection and coated in a rich black pepper sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying main dish that combines bold spices with tender chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to season
Black Pepper Sauce
- 1.5 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 tbsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 tbsp garlic minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2.5 tbsp ketchup
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a tasty crust.
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken skin side down. Pan-fry for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Mix black pepper, minced garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, and ketchup in a bowl until well combined.
- Simmer the sauce: In the same pan, add butter and melt over medium heat. Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer for 1 minute to develop flavors.
- Combine and cook: Return the chicken to the pan. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until fully cooked and coated with sauce.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of black pepper based on your spice tolerance.
- Ensure chicken skin is crispy before flipping to preserve texture.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 150g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
