Delicious Garlic Black Pepper Chicken (Print Version)

Juicy chicken marinated in garlic and black pepper for bold, savory flavor

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.1 pounds)

→ Marinade & Sauce

02 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 - 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if required)
05 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon honey
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
11 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, olive oil, rice vinegar, and sea salt until thoroughly combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F or heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
04 - For baking: Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden. For pan-searing: Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until well browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
05 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice if desired, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
06 - Serve hot accompanied by steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The marinade creates this incredible caramelized crust that locks in all the juices
  • You can bake it or pan fry it depending on your mood and available dishes
02 -
  • Marinating overnight transforms this from good to absolutely incredible
  • Pan searing creates this gorgeous crust that I cannot get enough of
03 -
  • Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even results
  • Do not crowd the pan if you are searing, work in batches if needed