Simple Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry for Weeknights

Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a delicious meal simmering, filling your home with warmth and promise. Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share a recipe for a truly comforting and incredibly simple Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry that has become a weeknight hero in my own kitchen. It’s that perfect blend of savory, spicy, and satisfying, proving that creating something wonderful doesn’t have to be complicated.

I still remember my grandmother, with flour dusting her apron from a morning of baking, would sometimes whip up the most incredible savory dishes for dinner. She taught me that cooking, just like baking, is an act of love – whether it’s a sweet treat or a hearty meal, it’s about bringing people together around the table. Those lessons, born in her cozy kitchen, are the heartbeat of everything I share with you.

This delightful Black Pepper Chicken isn’t just quick; it’s packed with flavor and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something homemade without the fuss. My top tip? Always taste and adjust as you go – that’s where the magic truly happens!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delicious stir-fry is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together beautifully. You’ll be working with tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, and the wonderful aromatic trio of fresh ginger, garlic, and of course, plenty of freshly ground black pepper for our Black Pepper Chicken. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements are waiting for you in the recipe card just below!

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Creating this flavorful Black Pepper Chicken is a journey of three simple steps, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! We start by marinating our chicken to ensure every bite is tender and juicy. Then, we whisk together a rich, savory black pepper sauce that’s the heart of this dish. Finally, it’s a quick stir-fry of the chicken and crisp-tender vegetables, all coated in that glorious sauce. It’s truly a kitchen ballet of deliciousness!

Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick and incredibly flavorful stir-fry featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a robust, peppery sauce with vibrant bell peppers and onions. This Black Pepper Chicken is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal with a delightful kick.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs cut into 1-inch pieces (breast can also be used)
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

For the Black Pepper Sauce

• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp Rice Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or water
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2-3 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper adjust to your preferred spice level

For the Stir-Fry

• 2 tbsp Cooking Oil such as vegetable or canola oil
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger minced
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 large Bell Pepper any color, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 medium Yellow Onion cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 Green Onions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Wok or Large Skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.

Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce

1. While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2-3 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which steams the chicken instead of browning). Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside on a clean plate.
2. If needed, add another teaspoon of oil to the wok. Add the minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and yellow onion pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Give the prepared Black Pepper Sauce a quick re-whisk (cornstarch can settle at the bottom) and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients beautifully.

Serve

1. Remove from heat. Garnish generously with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed white rice or noodles.

Notes

For an extra spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the black pepper in the sauce. Freshly ground black pepper is key for the best flavor; pre-ground pepper will not yield the same robust taste. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Over the years, whether I’m baking a cake or whipping up a quick stir-fry, I’ve gathered a few little secrets to make things extra special. Here are my favorite tips for ensuring your homemade Black Pepper Chicken is absolutely perfect every time:

Marination Magic

Don’t rush the marinade for your chicken! Even 20 minutes makes a world of difference in tenderness and flavor absorption. It’s a small step that yields big rewards, much like letting a cookie dough chill for that perfect texture.

My Secret Trick: When I’m marinating the chicken, I always use a Ziploc bag. It ensures every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the delicious marinade, and it makes cleanup a breeze! Plus, you can massage the bag gently to really work that flavor in.

The Art of the Stir-Fry

High heat is your friend here! Make sure your wok or skillet is piping hot before adding the chicken and vegetables. This creates that wonderful sear and prevents the ingredients from steaming. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring everything gets beautifully browned.

Sauce Savvy

Always taste your black pepper sauce before adding it to the pan. This allows you to adjust the black pepper, a little more sugar, or a splash of soy sauce to suit your personal preference. Remember, cooking is about making it your own!

Fun Variations for Black Pepper Chicken

One of the things I adore about home cooking is the freedom to get creative! Just like adding different spices to a gingerbread, you can easily adapt and elevate your Black Pepper Chicken to suit your mood or what you have on hand. My sister always loves when I try new twists, and here are a few ideas that have been hits in my kitchen:

• Veggies Galore: Feel free to swap or add other quick-cooking vegetables. Broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots cut into matchsticks, or even some thinly sliced mushrooms would be delightful. It’s a wonderful way to use up those extra bits from your fridge!
• Spice It Up: If you love a little extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with your ginger and garlic, or a dash of your favorite chili garlic sauce to the black pepper sauce. A friend of mine loves a touch of Sriracha swirled in right before serving!
• Different Proteins: While chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy, you could absolutely try this with boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces, or even thin slices of beef for a quick beef and black pepper stir-fry. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure doneness.

What to Serve With Black Pepper Chicken

When I set out a beautiful plate of homemade food, I always think about how to make the meal feel complete and utterly satisfying. This Black Pepper Chicken is already a star, but a few simple accompaniments can truly elevate your dining experience.

I love serving this flavorful stir-fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice; the subtle fragrance and soft texture are the perfect canvas for the bold flavors. For a lighter touch, a simple side of steamed brown rice or even quinoa works beautifully. And for a quick serving idea, a sprinkle of extra green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and an extra layer of texture. Sometimes, I even enjoy a refreshing cucumber salad alongside it for a bright, cool contrast.

How to Store Black Pepper Chicken

After all the love you put into making this delicious meal, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers taste just as wonderful! Proper storage is key, and just like keeping a cake moist, it’s about airtight containers and smart reheating.

Fridge Storage

Any leftover Black Pepper Chicken should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping a few lunches for the week ahead!

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend gently reheating your stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tiny splash of water or chicken broth if it seems a little dry. This helps to rehydrate the sauce and keeps the chicken tender. My personal tip? I like adding a fresh sprinkle of green onions or a dash of freshly ground black pepper after reheating to bring back that vibrant, just-cooked taste.

Nutritional Benefits

It’s always a joy to know that something so incredibly tasty can also offer wonderful nourishment, and our Black Pepper Chicken is no exception! This dish is a fantastic source of lean protein from the chicken, which is so important for keeping us feeling full and energized. Plus, with vibrant bell peppers, it adds a lovely dose of vitamins and antioxidants, making this a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing for the whole family.

FAQs

Faq 1

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Black Pepper Chicken recipe?
A: Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breast can be used. Just be mindful that it tends to cook a little faster and can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on it to ensure it remains tender and juicy in your delicious Black Pepper Chicken.

Faq 2

Q: How can I make this stir-fry spicier?
A: To add more heat to your best Black Pepper Chicken, you can increase the amount of freshly ground black pepper in the sauce, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the ginger and garlic during the stir-frying process. A dash of chili oil at the end also works wonders!

Faq 3

Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Whisk together all the sauce ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights, making your stir-fry even quicker to assemble.

Faq 4

Q: What kind of oil is best for stir-frying?
A: For stir-frying, it’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils can withstand the high heat needed for a good stir-fry without burning, ensuring your Black Pepper Chicken cooks perfectly.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends – a truly simple yet spectacularly flavorful Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry, perfect for those weeknights when you want to gather your loved ones around a delicious, homemade meal. It’s a testament to how even the simplest ingredients, prepared with a little care and love, can create something truly magical. So, go ahead, try this recipe, and create those joyful, home-cooked memories that warm the heart and nourish the soul. Happy cooking!