Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry combining tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a bold kick of freshly cracked black pepper. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vibrant stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a nutritious and delicious homemade meal with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using tamari sauce instead of soy sauce)
Protein
- 300–400g boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thinly
Vegetables
- 2 medium bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 fresh chili, sliced (optional, for extra heat)
Spices & Sauces
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
Oils & Others
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips for quick cooking. Cut the bell peppers into thin strips and chop the onions into wedges. Coarsely crush black peppercorns to ensure a strong, fresh heat throughout the dish.
- Heat the Pan and Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and stir-fry until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if necessary. Add minced garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Then add the bell peppers, cooking until tender-crisp while maintaining their bright color and crunch.
- Combine and Add Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with vegetables. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, then sprinkle generously with crushed black pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly and meld the flavors.
- Final Touches: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the stir-fry. Add sliced fresh chili if desired for extra heat. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.
Notes
- Marinate chicken briefly in soy sauce and black pepper for 10 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a good sear.
- Use freshly cracked black peppercorns instead of pre-ground pepper for maximum aroma and sharpness.
- Stir-fry on high heat for signature char and texture.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking as stir-frying moves quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: black pepper chicken, chicken stir-fry, quick dinner, weeknight meal, spicy chicken, easy stir-fry, Asian chicken recipe