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This quick skillet chicken is one of those easy weeknight meals that feels a little extra special but comes together fast. Tender bites of chicken are lightly coated, pan-seared until golden, and tossed with crisp celery, onion, and garlic in a savory, gingery sauce. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect served over rice (or cauliflower rice) for a balanced dinner the whole family will love. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, which means fewer dishes at the end of the night.

Easy Black Pepper & Garlic Chicken

  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Drizzle of avocado oil

Black Pepper Sauce

  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Vegetables

  • 4 celery stalks, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium white onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Directions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound them to an even thickness, about ¼ inch. Cut the chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and season with the salt and pepper. Add the mayonnaise, cornstarch, and a small drizzle of avocado oil. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of avocado oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
  4. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
  5. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper, and ground ginger in a small bowl to make the sauce.
  6. Slice the celery, onion, and garlic if you haven’t already.
  7. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
  8. In the same skillet, add the celery and onion. Add another small drizzle of avocado oil if the pan looks dry.
  9. Cook over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  10. Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
  11. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce.
  12. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
  13. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.
  14. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice and finish with an extra sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

Click HERE for a Downloadable Recipe Card!

Teresa Tips:

  • I keep the pepper a little lighter so this dinner is kid-friendly, but you can always add more at the end if you prefer.

  • its easy to serve the chicken without the celery and onion for the kids

  • The mayo and cornstarch coating helps keep the chicken tender and gives the sauce that glossy stir-fry finish.

This recipe was inspired by a black pepper chicken dish I came across in “The Defined Dish”. We’ve been cooking it for years, and it’s just so delish!

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    Hi I’m Teresa!

    I’m a mom to three, a wife and a physician assistant. I also have a degree in Nutritional Sciences and I love sharing all things life with you! I am passionate about empowering you through education, sharing all my fave products and items that have made life better and creating content to give you value!

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