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A close-up shot of a savory Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry with bell peppers and onions served over white rice in a dark bowl.

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.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired
Calories: 380

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.