Description
This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a bold, savory stir-fry made with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a peppery sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and better than takeout!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into ¼” thick pieces
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1½ tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Stir-Fry:
2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ white onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors recommended)
Instructions
In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Stir until cornstarch is dissolved.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 1 minute. Flip and cook for another 30–60 seconds until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté ginger and garlic for a few seconds.
Add onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 20 seconds.
Pour in sauce and stir until thickened (about 30 seconds).
Return chicken to the pan, stir to coat in sauce, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
Adjust black pepper to taste if you’re sensitive to spice.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Cornstarch helps give the sauce that classic takeout-style gloss and thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: ~290 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg