Name: Black Pepper Chicken
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and quick cooking time.; 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.; 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist while cooking.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to complement the black pepper.; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: The main ingredient in this dish, providing the signature heat and flavor.; 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness balances the bold peppery flavor.; 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens up the marinade and complements the savory flavors.; 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and creating a flavorful base.; 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.; 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant base to the dish.; 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to the sauce.; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.; 1 teaspoon sugar: A small amount to balance the acidity and heat.; 1 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste): Adds heat and depth to the cooking sauce.; 1/4 cup water or chicken broth: For a more flavorful sauce, use chicken broth.; 2 teaspoons cornstarch: To thicken the sauce slightly.; Chopped green onions: For a fresh, colorful garnish.; Sesame seeds: For added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.; Red pepper flakes: If you like extra heat, these can be sprinkled on top for a kick.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and quick cooking time.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist while cooking.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to complement the black pepper.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: The main ingredient in this dish, providing the signature heat and flavor.
1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness balances the bold peppery flavor.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens up the marinade and complements the savory flavors.

For the Cooking Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and creating a flavorful base.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant base to the dish.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to the sauce.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
1 teaspoon sugar: A small amount to balance the acidity and heat.
1 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste): Adds heat and depth to the cooking sauce.
1/4 cup water or chicken broth: For a more flavorful sauce, use chicken broth.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: To thicken the sauce slightly.

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped green onions: For a fresh, colorful garnish.
Sesame seeds: For added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Red pepper flakes: If you like extra heat, these can be sprinkled on top for a kick.

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Instructions

FIRST STEP: MARINATE THE CHICKEN

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, honey, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For the best results, marinate for up to 1 hour.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE CHICKEN

Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and cook the chicken in the hot pan. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

THIRD STEP: PREPARE THE COOKING SAUCE

Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and chicken broth (or water). Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Gradually pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

FOURTH STEP: ASSEMBLE THE DISH

Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Combine with Sauce: Return the sliced chicken to the pan and toss it in the cooking sauce, making sure it is evenly coated. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce and is heated through.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

Serve the Black Pepper Chicken: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice, alongside noodles, or in warm tortillas for a wrap. You can also pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.
Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and savor the bold flavors of your homemade Black Pepper Chicken!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 350
Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 35g