Smoky Garlic Explosion Black Pepper Chicken

Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy worked as the head pastry chef at multiple restaurants in South Africa. She now shares her professional insights about cooking and kitchen tools here at The Skillful Cook.

The warmth and smokiness of black pepper elevate this chicken in a way you’ll never forget. It's hot and smokey with silky sauce that works perfectly with rice.
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This black pepper chicken has the umami hit of smokiness from the pepper and liquid smoke that makes this dish irresistible. 

This recipe blends a whole bulb of roasted garlic into the sauce to imbue it with a rich sweetness that works in harmony with the bold heat of black pepper and smoky undertones.

This black pepper chicken has the umami hit of smokiness

It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party!

Enjoy your smoky, garlicky black pepper chicken masterpiece with rice or noodles and your favorite veggies.

This is sure to become a go-to dish for making simple chicken a little more interesting.

perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests

Why you will love this Black Pepper Chicken recipe…

  • Great for entertaining- This is an easy dish that can still wow your guests.
  • Jazz up simple chicken- The seasonings and garlic make this chicken burst with flavor.
  • Super garlicky- There’s a whole head of roasted garlic in this sauce so it’s made for garlic lovers!
  • Beginner-friendly- The techniques are super simple so even the less confident cooks will find this achievable.
  • Chinese-American- A fun fusion of two great cuisines.
Why you will love this Black Pepper Chicken recipe
Smoky Garlic Explosion Black Pepper Chicken recipe

Smoky Garlic Explosion Black Pepper Chicken

This black pepper chicken is best served over jasmine rice or rice noodles with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 303 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 2 whole garlic bulbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked black pepper (or freshly ground black pepper)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions
 

Ingredients

  • Black Pepper Chicken Ingredients

Step 1- Roast the Garlic

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden. Set aside to cool.
    Black Pepper Chicken recipe instruction - roast the garlic

Step 2- Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt, smoked black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
    Black Pepper Chicken recipe instruction - Prepare the Chicken

Step 3- Make the Smoky Garlic Sauce

  • In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the pan and mash them with a spatula to create a paste.
    Black Pepper Chicken recipe instruction - Make the Smoky Garlic Sauce
  • Add the smoked black pepper, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
    Black Pepper Chicken recipe instruction - add the spices
  • Pour in the chicken stock and simmer for 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until it thickens.

Step 4- Pull the Chicken

  • Using two forks, pull the chicken into long, stringy clumps.
    Black Pepper Chicken recipe instruction - Pull the Chicken

Step 5- Coat the Chicken

  • Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the smoky garlic sauce over it, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 6- Serve

  • Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables.
    Black Pepper Chicken recipe instruction - Garnish with fresh parsley or chives

Nutrition

Calories 303kcal (15%)Carbohydrates 3g (1%)Protein 34g (68%)Fat 17g (26%)Saturated Fat 6g (38%)Polyunsaturated Fat 2gMonounsaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0.3gCholesterol 178mg (59%)Sodium 450mg (20%)Potassium 490mg (14%)Fiber 0.5g (2%)Sugar 1g (1%)Vitamin A 469IU (9%)Vitamin C 1mg (1%)Calcium 27mg (3%)Iron 2mg (11%)
Keyword Black Pepper Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

This black pepper chicken is best served over jasmine rice or rice noodles with a side of stir-fried vegetables and a warm bowl of creamy broccoli soup.

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

  • Roast the garlic until golden. This will maximize the garlic’s sweetness but be careful not to burn it.
  • Swap for regular black pepper. If you don’t have smoked black pepper, regular black pepper works fine, instead add in the smoky flavor with a few more drops of liquid smoke.
  • Get a good sear. Searing the chicken first locks in the juices and creates a caramelized flavor, so don’t skip this step!
  • Season the chicken ahead of time. Rub the chicken with the salt, smoked black pepper, and smoked paprika in advance and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to amp up the flavor.
This black pepper chicken is best served over jasmine rice

Storage Suggestions

  • To store- Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • To reheat- Place the dish back into a frying pan and warm through gently on medium heat.

Black Pepper Chicken FAQs

What is the main ingredient in black pepper?

The active ingredient in black pepper is piperine.

Is black pepper sauce healthy? 

Black pepper sauce is considered healthy because of the nutritional elements of the black pepper and garlic. The black pepper contains antioxidants, reduces inflammation, and supports blood sugar control. The garlic is low-calorie and rich in vitamins and minerals like manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, and fiber.

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Amy Hand
About the author
Amy Hand
After finding the chef life a little too high-paced, Amy decided to take her cooking skills and use them to teach others through food writing. She uses her knowledge as a pastry chef and experience as a head chef to write articles that are engaging and helpful while being as entertaining as possible.

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