Black Pepper Roast Chicken

2025-07-10

Black Pepper Roast Chicken

Aromatic, juicy roast chicken with a bold black-pepper crust and a glossy, savory glaze—perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients (serves 4)

10 g BBQ tea seasoning (black-tea base, adds subtle smokiness and depth)

1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3–4 lb), spatchcocked or butterflied

1 tbsp coarse black pepper, freshly cracked

1 tsp sea salt

2 tsp light soy sauce

1 tbsp dark soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

Marinate the chicken

• Pat the chicken dry.

• In a small bowl combine BBQ tea seasoning, cracked pepper, salt, light soy, dark soy, oyster sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, garlic, ginger, and oil.

• Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible.

• Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Roast

• Pre-heat oven to 200 °C / 400 °F.

• Place chicken skin-side up on a rack set over a roasting tray.

• Roast 35–40 minutes, basting once with pan juices, until the thickest part of the breast registers 75 °C / 165 °F and the skin is deep golden.

Glaze & finish

• Turn oven to broil / grill. Brush the skin with any remaining marinade (boil it first for safety) or a little extra honey.

• Broil 2–3 minutes until lacquered and crisp. Rest 5 minutes before carving.

Serve

• Carve and drizzle with resting juices.

• Pair with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Chef’s Notes

• BBQ tea seasoning lends gentle smoke that complements the peppery crust.

• For extra heat, add ½ tsp chili flakes to the marinade.

• Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge—shred for sandwiches or fried rice.

Enjoy your succulent, peppery roast chicken!