Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and ensures every piece is coated in the flavorful sauce.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and a pinch of salt. This will give the chicken a light, crispy coating when fried. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the chicken to the pan.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring it’s not overcrowded. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE SAUCE

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the Liquid Ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to combine.
3. Add the Sweetness: Stir in the honey, allowing it to dissolve and mix with the sauce. This will give the dish a subtle sweetness that balances out the heat from the black pepper.
4. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir the sauce to combine. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

THIRD STEP: COMBINE THE CHICKEN AND SAUCE

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing it in the sauce to coat each piece evenly.
2. Add the Black Pepper: Generously sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the chicken. Toss again to ensure the chicken is well-seasoned with the pepper. If you prefer extra heat, you can add more pepper at this stage.
3. Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully absorb into the chicken. This also gives the black pepper time to infuse the chicken with its bold flavor.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: Once the chicken is well-coated in the sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the Black Pepper Chicken with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
2. Serve: Serve the Black Pepper Chicken over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of noodles or quinoa for a different twist.