## One-Pot Black Pepper Chicken: Simple and Savory

When it comes to preparing a meal that’s both flavorful and fuss-free, the One-Pot Black Pepper Chicken recipe stands out as a winner. This dish combines juicy chicken with a savory black pepper sauce, all cooked in a single pot to save you time and minimize cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner, this recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delectable.

### Why You’ll Love One-Pot Black Pepper Chicken

1. **Effortless Preparation* With everything cooked in just one pot, you can spend less time on dishes and more time enjoying your meal. This simplicity makes it perfect for busy schedules or a quick weeknight dinner.

2. **Rich Flavor Profile* The star of this dish is the black pepper, which provides a warm, spicy kick without overwhelming the palate. Paired with savory chicken and a few complementary ingredients, it creates a well-balanced and flavorful sauce.

3. **Versatile and Adaptable* This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add your favorite vegetables, swap out chicken for other proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

4. **Quick Cooking Time* The entire meal comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for those nights when you need a delicious dinner without a lengthy cooking process.

### Ingredients You’ll Need

- **Chicken* Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and juiciness, but boneless is a quicker option.
- **Black Pepper* Freshly ground black pepper is key to achieving the dish’s signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- **Garlic* Minced garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- **Onion* Chopped onion contributes sweetness and additional flavor.
- **Soy Sauce* Adds a salty, umami element to the dish and helps to balance the spices.
- **Chicken Broth* Provides a base for the sauce and adds moisture to the chicken.
- **Olive Oil* Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- **Optional Vegetables* Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can be added for extra nutrition and color.

### How to Prepare One-Pot Black Pepper Chicken

**1. Sear the Chicken*
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sear the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

**2. Sauté Aromatics*
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

**3. Create the Sauce*
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add extra flavor to the sauce.

**4. Simmer the Chicken*
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you’re using boneless chicken, the cooking time will be shorter.

**5. Adjust Seasonings*
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more black pepper if you prefer a spicier kick, or a splash of soy sauce for additional depth of flavor.

**6. Serve and Enjoy*
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, serve the dish hot. This One-Pot Black Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables.

### Tips for Perfect One-Pot Black Pepper Chicken

- **Adjust the Spice Level* Start with a moderate amount of black pepper and taste as you go. You can always add more if you prefer a spicier dish.
- **Vegetable Additions* Adding vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value but also makes the meal more colorful and hearty. Just ensure they are added early enough to cook through.
- **Thickening the Sauce* If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes, or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

### Variations and Add-Ons

- **Mushroom Variation* For an earthy twist, add sliced mushrooms to the pot along with the onions.
- **Spicy Kick* Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to ramp up the heat.
- **Citrus Twist* Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice at the end for a bright, zesty flavor.

One-Pot Black Pepper Chicken is the epitome of a simple yet savory meal. It combines juicy chicken with a rich black pepper sauce in a straightforward, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this comforting dish, and savor every satisfying bite!