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

Black Pepper Chicken 9 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.

(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!