Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken

November 18, 2024

This bold Vietnamese-inspired dish combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into one unforgettable chicken dinner. With a sticky caramel glaze and a peppery punch, it’s fast, flavorful, and perfect over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice.

Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more, to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sliced scallions and sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Steamed rice, for serving

🔥 Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken with fish sauce, soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Toss to coat and let sit while you prep the other ingredients.

Caramelize the Sugar: In a large skillet or wok, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with oil over medium heat. Stir until it melts and begins to darken—watch closely to avoid burning.

Cook the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion and garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken

Sear the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken (with its juices) to the skillet. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized—about 8–10 minutes.

Add the Spice: Stir in the black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce thicken slightly for a glossy finish.

Serve It Up: Spoon the chicken over rice, and top with scallions and sesame seeds for added texture and brightness.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken

  • 🍳 Carbon Steel Wok — Perfect for quick, high-heat cooking that locks in flavor.
  • 🧄 Garlic Press Tool — Fresh garlic flavor without the chopping hassle.
  • 🧂 Vietnamese Fish Sauce — The key to getting that deep umami punch.
  • 🌶️ Crushed Red Pepper Flakes — Adds a spicy kick to balance the sweet glaze.
  • 🍚 Jasmine Rice — Lightly fragrant and fluffy—perfect for soaking up that rich sauce.

💡 Helpful Tip: To deepen the caramelization, resist stirring the chicken too much—let it sit in the hot pan for a few seconds at a time to develop those golden brown edges.