Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering black pepper chicken stir-fry sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Aromatic spices dance through tender meat and crisp vegetables.

Fragrant seasonings promise a quick, satisfying meal that speaks to comfort and zest.

Simple ingredients come together with bold flavors that surprise and delight.

Woks sizzle with intense heat, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible dish.

Why Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Packs Bold Flavor

• Boost Quick Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken and colorful bell peppers, this stir-fry delivers a balanced meal loaded with essential vitamins and minerals in just minutes.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Create a complete dinner using a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time while producing a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels and vegetable selections to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe perfect for picky eaters and experimental cooks alike.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Affordable ingredients like chicken, basic vegetables, and pantry staples transform into a delicious meal that won't break the bank, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

What You’ll Need For Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

• Chicken: Lean meat that provides the main protein source for the stir-fry.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provide deep, warming flavor base for the dish.
• Onion, Bell Peppers: Add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Create a savory and umami foundation for the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, spicy kick to the chicken dish.
• Sugar, Salt: Balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides a medium for cooking and prevents sticking.
• Cooked Rice: Serves as a classic base for serving the stir-fry.

How To Cook Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Sizzle Up the Skillet

Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Drizzle vegetable oil and swirl it around to create a slick cooking surface.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in minced garlic and ginger. Dance them around the pan for about 30 seconds until they release their mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Slide sliced chicken into the skillet. Stir-fry the pieces for 4-5 minutes, transforming them from pink to a delicious golden color.

Step 4: Bring in the Veggies

• Sliced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Toss and tumble for 2-3 minutes until vegetables reach a perfect tender-crisp texture.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sugar
• Salt

Pour this magical mixture over the chicken and vegetables.

Step 6: Thicken and Finish

Stir in a cornstarch slurry. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1-2 minutes, creating a glossy coating that hugs every morsel.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Nestle the sizzling black pepper chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed rice. Dig in while it’s hot!

Tips For The Best Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

• Prep chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking and quick stir-frying.
• Use high heat and keep ingredients moving constantly to prevent burning and maintain crisp texture.
• Select fresh, firm bell peppers and slice them thinly for better absorption of sauce and faster cooking.
• Create a cornstarch slurry with cold water for smooth sauce thickening without lumps.
• Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if you enjoy spicier dishes.

Fun Variations On Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir-Fry: Add diced jalapeños for extra heat and vibrant flavor, creating a zesty version of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Stir-Fry: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Stir-Fry: Blend in coconut milk and mild curry powder to transform the dish into a creamy, aromatic southeast Asian-style meal.
• Teriyaki Black Pepper Chicken: Replace oyster sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more caramelized flavor that complements the black pepper notes.

Perfect Sides For Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

• Amplify Flavor with Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich, bold red wine cuts through the black pepper's spiciness and complements the savory chicken, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Create Cooling Contrast with Cucumber Salad: Fresh, crisp cucumber salad with light vinaigrette balances the stir-fry's warmth and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Enhance Texture with Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant jasmine rice absorbs the black pepper sauce perfectly, adding a delicate backdrop to the vibrant chicken and vegetable medley.
• Brighten Meal with Asian Slaw: Tangy, crunchy coleslaw with sesame oil and rice vinegar adds brightness and textural contrast to the rich, peppery stir-fry.

Storing Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Refresh: Quickly reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly heated.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs On Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

• What type of chicken works best for this stir-fry?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They cook quickly and absorb the black pepper sauce perfectly.

• How can I make the dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry for extra heat and kick.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the recipe?

Yes, cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it a glossy, restaurant-style finish that coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

• Can I use fresh or ground black pepper?

Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor and aroma, but pre-ground black pepper works fine too if that’s what you have on hand.

Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken stir-fry brings sizzling Asian flavors to your dinner table, promising a quick and satisfying meal. Bold seasonings and tender chicken create a perfect balance that will have you craving this simple yet elegant dish.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste

Serving:

• Cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high heat, ensuring even oil distribution across the cooking surface.
2. Infuse the pan with minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for approximately 30 seconds until an aromatic fragrance emerges.
3. Introduce sliced chicken, continuously stirring for 4-5 minutes until the meat transforms from pink to a uniform white color.
4. Incorporate sliced onions and bell peppers, continuing to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to achieve a tender yet crisp vegetable texture.
5. Create a flavor-packed sauce by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, freshly ground black pepper, sugar, and salt in a separate container.
6. Cascade the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring complete coating and thorough integration of flavors.
7. Activate the cornstarch slurry, stirring vigorously for 1-2 minutes to develop a glossy, thick sauce that clings perfectly to the protein and vegetables.
8. Transfer the piping hot black pepper chicken onto a bed of steamed rice, presenting a vibrant and aromatic culinary creation.

Notes

• Boost flavor by letting chicken marinate in soy sauce and black pepper for 15-30 minutes before cooking, enhancing taste and tenderness.
• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum softness and easier chewing, ensuring more enjoyable eating experience.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfect stir-fry texture, allowing ingredients to caramelize instead of steam.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for dietary preferences or varied meal experiences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg