Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and easy stir-fry dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce. Inspired by Asian cuisine, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal, offering a balance of savory, slightly spicy, and aromatic flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day.
- Healthier than takeout – Fresh ingredients with no unnecessary additives.
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels and vegetables to suit your taste.
- Pairs well with rice or noodles – A complete and satisfying meal.
- Meal-prep friendly – Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Onion, sliced
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Celery, sliced
- Cornstarch
- Chicken broth
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Green onions, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the chicken – In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and a little soy sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Cook the chicken – Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics – In the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté the garlic, ginger, and onions until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables – Toss in the bell peppers and celery, stir-frying for a couple of minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Make the sauce – In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine everything – Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well until everything is coated and heated through.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicier – Add red pepper flakes or sliced chilies.
- Vegetarian option – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
- Gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure other sauces are gluten-free.
- Extra saucy – Double the sauce ingredients for more flavor to coat rice or noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the vegetables may lose their crisp texture.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
FAQs

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?
It has a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust the black pepper to your preference.
Can I use ground black pepper instead of freshly ground?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-ground can work in a pinch.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Both chicken breast and thighs work well, but thighs offer more juiciness and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, stir-fry the vegetables just before serving.
What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles are great options.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use less oil, reduce the amount of sugar, and add more vegetables.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are great additions.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
The chicken can be air-fried, but the stir-fry should be done in a pan.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook it and use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and customize it to your liking!
PrintBlack Pepper Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese-style Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious stir-fry featuring juicy chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and onions tossed in a rich, garlicky black pepper sauce. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Black Pepper Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for deeper color)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water, to thicken)
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and veggies.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, and chicken broth.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) to thicken the sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
- In the same pan, add another tbsp of oil if needed.
- Sauté the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 2 minutes, until fragrant but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the black pepper sauce.
- Stir-fry everything for 2-3 minutes, coating the chicken and veggies in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot!
Notes
Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.
Vegetable Options: Try adding mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil!
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