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Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

This Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast, crunchy bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a bold and aromatic black pepper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable with your favorite veggies or protein alternatives. The dish balances savory umami, spicy warmth, and vibrant textures for a satisfying, healthy meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper

Other

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil
  • Optional: chili flakes to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips, chop the bell peppers and onions, and finely mince garlic and ginger. Measure out the soy sauce, sugar or honey, cornstarch, and crack fresh black pepper. Having everything ready ensures smooth cooking.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar or honey, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves completely, creating a smooth and glossy sauce.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until browned and just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add a little more oil if needed, then add garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry until vegetables soften slightly but remain crisp, about 3 minutes.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients perfectly.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for freshness and added flavor. Optional chili flakes can be added for extra heat. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum heat and aroma.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crisp vegetables.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking to keep the process smooth and quick.
  • Cook over high heat to lock in juices and maintain texture.
  • Add the sauce gradually to control the thickness and coating of the stir-fry.

Nutrition

Keywords: black pepper chicken, stir-fry, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free stir-fry, Asian chicken dish