Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

The rich aroma of freshly cracked black pepper mingles with tender pieces of marinated chicken to create an unforgettable Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. Paired with crisp bell peppers and onions, this Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish comes together quickly without sacrificing taste or quality. Whether you enjoy it alongside steamed jasmine rice or noodles, this Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry delivers authentic Asian-inspired flavors right from your own kitchen. Each bite carries the warmth of ginger and garlic, balanced perfectly with the bold peppery kick that will keep you coming back for more.

 Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)

Directions:

1. Combine chicken with the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix gently by hand to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for about 30 seconds on each side or until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 20 seconds.
5. Re-stir the sauce to ensure cornstarch is well mixed, then pour into the skillet. Stir immediately and cook until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet, stir to coat with the sauce, and cook for a few seconds more. Remove from heat.
6. Serve immediately.

Black Pepper Chicken: A Flavorful Asian Delight for Your Table

Black Pepper Chicken is one of the most beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine, adored for its bold flavor, aromatic spices, and quick preparation time. This savory and spicy stir-fry is often enjoyed at Chinese restaurants but can be effortlessly recreated in your own kitchen with simple, easily available ingredients. The dish combines tender chicken pieces with a medley of colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger, all coated in a rich, peppery sauce that tingles the taste buds without overwhelming the palate.

At first glance, Black Pepper Chicken may seem like a straightforward stir-fry, but every component of this dish is carefully balanced to create a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. The black pepper, the star ingredient provides a warming, slightly sharp kick that sets this dish apart from other chicken stir-fries. Whether served over steaming white rice, fried rice, or noodles, this dish guarantees a satisfying meal that brings the excitement of restaurant-quality Chinese food to your home.

Variations You Can Try

One of the joys of cooking Black Pepper Chicken at home is the freedom to experiment. Here are some exciting variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan to create a plant-based version. Ensure the tofu is well-pressed and seared for a chewy texture.
• Beef or Pork Substitution: Thinly sliced beef or pork tenderloin can replace chicken for a meaty, satisfying alternative.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, baby corn, snow peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and variety.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in red chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to turn up the heat for spice lovers.
• Honey Garlic Black Pepper Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey for a subtle sweetness that complements the savory and peppery flavors.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip the added sugar for a healthier twist.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

• Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly sear the chicken and veggies without steaming them. A wok is ideal, but a large skillet works too.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain a high temperature and prevent sogginess.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Always use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor. Pre-ground pepper loses its pungency over time.
• Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes for optimal tenderness and taste.
• Sauce Consistency: The cornstarch slurry helps the sauce cling to each ingredient. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of water can loosen it.

Serving Suggestions

Black Pepper Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides:

• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the savory sauce.
• Fried Rice: For an indulgent twist, serve with egg fried rice or vegetable fried rice.
• Noodles: Stir-fried noodles or simple soba noodles complement this dish well.
• Asian Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw with sesame dressing adds freshness.
• Stir-Fried Greens: Baby bok choy or Chinese broccoli with garlic rounds out the meal.

For a complete meal, serve Black Pepper Chicken with hot and sour soup or egg drop soup, and finish with a refreshing dessert like mango sticky rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Full of Flavor: Savory, peppery, aromatic, and satisfying.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
• Restaurant Quality: Tastes like your favorite takeout, but healthier and made fresh at home.
• Minimal Equipment: All you need is a wok or skillet—no fancy tools required.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a wonderfully bold and flavorful dish that effortlessly combines the warmth of freshly ground black pepper with tender, juicy chicken and crisp, colorful vegetables. Its rich, savory sauce coats every bite, delivering a satisfying depth of taste that rivals even the best takeout versions. Whether enjoyed over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried greens, this dish brings the vibrant, comforting flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your home kitchen. Its ease of preparation and flexibility in ingredients make it suitable for both quick weeknight dinners and special family meals.

What makes Black Pepper Chicken truly special is its adaptability it can be customized to suit various dietary needs or preferences, from swapping the chicken for tofu to adding extra vegetables for a nutritious boost. Beyond its delicious taste, the dish also offers nutritional benefits, thanks to its lean protein, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and digestive-friendly black pepper. By mastering this simple yet satisfying recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal anytime, knowing exactly what’s going into your food. Black Pepper Chicken isn’t just a dish—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and wholesome, home-cooked goodness.

More Recipe Suggestions:

Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles

Chicken and Mushroom Stir-Fry

Cajun Lime Chicken

Crispy Beef Stir-Fry with Bok Choy over Pan-Fried Noodles

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Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

The rich aroma of freshly cracked black pepper mingles with tender pieces of marinated chicken to create an unforgettable stir-fry dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. Paired with crisp bell peppers and onions, this Black Pepper Chicken is the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Keyword #northeastnosh #asiancuisine #asianfood #blackpepperchicken #stirfry #chickenstirfry #food #foodie

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing Bowls w/lids
• Garlic Mincer
• Mandolin Slicer and Food Chopper Set
• Large Skillet
• Wok – Traditional Optional
• Wok – Modern Optional

Ingredients

• 1 lb 450 g chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 white onion chopped
• 2 bell peppers chopped (mixed colors)

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Instructions

• Combine chicken with the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix gently by hand to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for about 30 seconds on each side or until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove chicken and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 20 seconds.
• Re-stir the sauce to ensure cornstarch is well mixed, then pour into the skillet. Stir immediately and cook until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet, stir to coat with the sauce, and cook for a few seconds more. Remove from heat.
• Serve immediately.