Name: Savory Black Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

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The aroma of sizzling chicken, seasoned to perfection with a generous sprinkle of black pepper, wafts through the air, making your taste buds dance with anticipation. Savory Black Pepper Chicken: Quick Weeknight Winner is not just a dish; it’s a culinary hug on a plate that transforms any mundane weeknight into a feast fit for royalty (or at least your family). flavorful chicken satay skewers delicious chicken yakitori skewers.

Picture this: you come home after a long day, and instead of staring blankly into the fridge, you whip up this easy, flavorful chicken dish in no time. quick chicken gyros wraps With its rich flavor profile and tantalizing aroma, it’s like having your own personal chef—minus the hefty bill and awkward small talk.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor for busy weeknights
The vivid black pepper adds an irresistible kick that everyone will crave
Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself
Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides or even enjoy on its own

My friends still rave about the time I made this Savory Black Pepper Chicken for our monthly dinner party. The way they devoured it, you’d think I had served them a five-course meal instead of just one gloriously peppery chicken dish. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on your crowd size.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves for the best flavor; trust me, fresh is always better.
Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper to really elevate the flavor; it’s worth the extra effort.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still providing depth to the dish.
Honey: A touch of honey adds sweetness and balances the heat from the black pepper.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances flavors and prevents sticking during cooking.

For the Sauce:

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up flavors and adds a tangy twist to the dish.
Sesame Seeds: These add both crunch and visual appeal; sprinkle them on top just before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preparation Time: Begin by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Prepping everything in advance reduces stress and allows for a smooth cooking experience.

Marinate Your Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Add your chicken breasts and let them soak up those amazing flavors for at least 15 minutes.

Sear to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering (not smoking), carefully add marinated chicken breasts to avoid splattering oil everywhere.

Cook Until Golden Brown: Sear each side of the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). You’ll know they’re ready when they release from the pan easily.

Add Finishing Touches: After removing chicken from the skillet, pour any leftover marinade into the pan along with a splash more soy sauce. Cook until slightly thickened—this will become your luscious sauce!

Serve & Enjoy!: Slice that glorious black pepper chicken and drizzle with your homemade sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra pop of texture—and prepare yourself for compliments galore!

Once you’ve tried this Savory Black Pepper Chicken: Quick Weeknight Winner recipe, you’ll never dread weeknight dinners again! caramelised soy chicken recipe.

You Must Know

Savory Black Pepper Chicken is not only flavorful but also quick to prepare
This dish tantalizes your taste buds with its aromatic spices while being a breeze for weeknight dinners
The crispy texture combined with tender chicken makes it a family favorite

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in black pepper and soy sauce for at least 30 minutes. Sear it in a hot pan, then add vegetables and simmer until everything is cooked through.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the veggies or add nuts for crunch. You can also play around with different herbs or spice levels to suit your palate.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh, coarse black pepper for maximum flavor; it elevates this dish significantly
Always let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender
Lastly, don’t overcrowd the pan while searing; it ensures that perfect sear every time!

Cooking Savory Black Pepper Chicken always reminds me of my friend’s dinner parties where we’d gather around the table, laughing and tasting new recipes together. It became our go-to dish and a way to spark culinary creativity. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Peanut Chicken Recipe recipe.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add more richness and moisture to the dish.

What sides pair well with Savory Black Pepper Chicken?

Rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles make excellent side dishes.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is adjustable; you can reduce or increase black pepper as desired.