Description
Black Pepper Chicken is a bold and savory stir-fry packed with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, peppery sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s better than takeout.
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 small onion, sliced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce)
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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2 tablespoons water
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1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside for 10–15 minutes.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, and black pepper. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
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Stir-Fry Veggies: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until just tender, about 3–4 minutes.
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Combine: Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken and veggies.
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Finish & Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil if using. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
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Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor—it makes a big difference.
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Chicken thighs give a juicier result, but breasts work well too.
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Add chili flakes if you want extra heat.
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Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.