Name: Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar; 1 tbsp water; 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil; 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Sliced green onions, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

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Introduction

Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips are tossed in a savory black pepper sauce with crisp vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

A close-up view of a stir-fry in a black pan showing three main layers: the top layer has golden-brown chicken pieces with a glossy, slightly oily texture, seasoned with black pepper; the middle layer contains large chunks of translucent white onions with soft edges; the bottom layer includes bright green and red bell pepper pieces, vibrant and slightly shiny from cooking. The dish is rich in color contrast with the glossy textures making it look hot and freshly cooked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into thin strips
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
1 medium onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tbsp water
Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and the cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, rice vinegar, water, and freshly cracked black pepper. Set this stir-fry sauce aside.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add sliced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the prepared stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Transfer the stir-fry to serving bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili to the stir-fry sauce.
Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for a vibrant and visually appealing dish.
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

This image shows a black pan filled with cooked pieces of chicken in a glossy, dark brown sauce. Mixed with the chicken are chunks of green bell peppers, red bell peppers, and translucent cooked onion pieces. The chicken pieces have a slightly browned and seasoned look with visible black pepper flakes. The vegetables add vibrant green and red colors, contrasting with the brown chicken and sauce, while the translucent onions add a soft texture. The dish looks hot and freshly cooked, with a shiny, slightly oily surface that makes the sauce stand out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely and pat it dry before marinating to ensure proper cooking and texture.

What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles like lo mein or rice noodles.