Let’s walk through the steps in creating this delicious dish. Just like standing on that wobbly chair next to my dad, I promise these steps will bring you joy, not stress.

1. Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and half of the black pepper. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant—this should take about 3 minutes.
4. Add the sliced bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and the remaining black pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the chicken to coat evenly with the sauce.
6. Pour in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
7. Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

And there you have it—your Best Black Pepper Chicken, ready to be served and enjoyed!