Garlic Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Inspired by Taiwanese night market black pepper sauce, this dish is garlicky, buttery, slightly spicy, and packed with umami. The crispy, pan-fried chicken thighs are coated in a rich sauce, making it the perfect dish to serve with rice for a satisfying meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to season
• 1.5 tbsp butter

Black Pepper Sauce

• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 0.5 tbsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2.5 tbsp ketchup

Directions

1. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken skin-side down and pan-fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix black pepper, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, and ketchup to create the sauce.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. Pour in the sauce and let it simmer for about 1 minute.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes per side, allowing it to absorb the sauce.
6. Serve hot with rice and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 345 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g

The Bold Flavors of Black Pepper Sauce

What makes this dish stand out is its incredible black pepper sauce, which adds a rich, slightly spicy kick that enhances the umami of the chicken. Unlike traditional sauces that rely on complex ingredient lists, this sauce uses a simple but effective combination of pantry staples.

Oyster sauce provides a deep, savory base, while soy sauce brings a salty umami punch. Honey balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness, and ketchup adds a touch of acidity and richness. The star of the show, black pepper, gives the dish its signature heat, while garlic infuses the sauce with a strong aromatic quality. The final touch of butter melts into the sauce, creating a silky texture that perfectly coats the crispy chicken thighs.

Choosing the Best Chicken for This Dish

For the best texture and flavor, boneless, skin-on chicken thighs are the ideal choice for this recipe. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender even when pan-fried at high heat, and the crispy skin adds an extra layer of texture that makes the dish even more satisfying.

If you prefer a leaner option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to cook faster and may require extra care to prevent them from drying out. Marinating the chicken briefly before cooking can help keep it moist and flavorful.

Cooking Techniques for the Best Texture

The key to achieving the perfect texture in this dish lies in pan-frying the chicken properly. Using medium-high heat allows the chicken skin to crisp up while sealing in the juices. It’s important not to move the chicken too much while it’s frying—allowing it to sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes ensures even browning and a crispy exterior.

Once the chicken is crispy and golden brown, it’s set aside while the sauce is prepared. Returning the chicken to the pan towards the end of the cooking process ensures that it absorbs all the rich flavors of the sauce without becoming soggy.

How to Adjust the Spice Level

The bold heat of black pepper is what gives this dish its signature kick, but the spice level can be easily adjusted based on personal preference. If you enjoy a more intense heat, use freshly ground coarse black pepper for a stronger flavor. You can also add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for an extra spicy twist.

For those who prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of black pepper and balance the heat with a little extra honey. This allows you to enjoy all the rich flavors of the dish without overwhelming spiciness.

Pairing Garlic Black Pepper Chicken with Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. The classic pairing is steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which helps soak up the delicious black pepper sauce.

For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or a light vegetable stir-fry. Sautéed greens like bok choy, spinach, or asparagus complement the bold flavors of the dish while adding extra nutrients.

If you’re looking for a more indulgent meal, pair this dish with garlic butter noodles or a side of crispy roasted potatoes. The savory garlic flavors in the sauce blend well with starchy side dishes, making them even more satisfying.

Customizing the Recipe to Suit Your Taste

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to customize it based on your taste preferences:

• For a Sweeter Flavor: Increase the honey slightly or add a splash of sweet soy sauce.
• For a Smokier Taste: Use smoked black pepper or add a dash of smoked paprika.
• For More Umami: A small amount of fish sauce or a sprinkle of MSG can deepen the umami flavor.
• For a Crunchier Texture: Lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before pan-frying to give it a crispier crust.
• For a Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms and use a plant-based oyster sauce alternative.

By experimenting with different ingredients, you can tailor this dish to your liking while still keeping the bold, garlicky black pepper flavors at the forefront.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Garlic Black Pepper Chicken stores well and reheats easily. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To maintain the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving it. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Leftover chicken can also be repurposed in wraps, salads, or even stir-fried with vegetables for a completely new meal.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Garlic Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Its bold, umami-packed sauce combined with crispy chicken makes it an instant favorite for anyone who enjoys Asian-inspired flavors. The recipe is quick, requiring only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

This dish also offers plenty of room for customization, allowing you to adjust the heat level, sweetness, and overall flavor profile to match your personal preferences. With its rich sauce and satisfying texture, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that works well as both a main dish and a meal prep option.

Conclusion

Garlic Black Pepper Chicken is a must-try dish for anyone looking to add bold, savory flavors to their home cooking. With its crispy chicken, garlicky black pepper sauce, and buttery richness, this dish delivers a restaurant-style experience without complicated ingredients or lengthy preparation.

Whether served over rice, paired with vegetables, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is satisfying and versatile. Its quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy schedules, while its depth of flavor ensures it never gets boring. If you’re a fan of garlicky, umami-rich dishes, this Garlic Black Pepper Chicken will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.