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Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry with sliced chicken, red and green bell peppers, and onions in a glossy black pepper sauce, served in a bowl with steamed jasmine rice on the side.

Black Pepper Chicken

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  • Author: jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3–4 1x
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Description

🔥 Juicy chicken + crisp veggies in a bold black pepper sauce 🌶️
🕒 Ready in 30 mins | 🥢 Better than takeout | 🍽️ One-pan wonder!


Ingredients

Scale

🐔 For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breast, thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce

  • 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp cornstarch

    🥣 For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (more to taste)

  • Optional: 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

    🥦 Vegetables & Aromatics:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 onion, sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1/2 cup celery, sliced

  • 2 tbsp wok cooking oil

    🥄 For Thickening:

  • 1 tsp cornstarch

  • 1 tbsp water (to make slurry)


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken

  2. Make the Sauce

  3. Cook the Chicken

  4. Sauté Aromatics

  5. Add Veggies

  6. Add Sauce & Slurry

  7. Finish with Chicken

  8. Serve


Notes

Protein Swap: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Vegetable Variations: No bell peppers? Try broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just aim for veggies that stay crisp-tender in a stir-fry.

No Shaoxing Wine? Use dry sherry or rice vinegar for a similar flavor. Or skip it entirely if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.

Pepper Preference: Use freshly ground coarsely black pepper for bold flavor. Pre-ground pepper tends to lose its punch.

Make it Spicier: Add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or diced fresh chilies to crank up the heat if you love a spicy stir-fry.

Gluten-Free Tip: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Swap rice for cauliflower rice and go light on the cornstarch or use xanthan gum as a thickener.

Meal Prep Friendly: Stores in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.


Nutrition

  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: Moderate (adjust soy sauce to taste)
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 27g