Black Pepper Chicken

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

Chinese-inspired stir-fry with marinated chicken, crunchy veggies, and bold black pepper sauce. Quick to make in 25 minutes.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:32:25 GMT
Stir-fried chicken mixed with vibrant bell peppers in rich sauce, garnished with thin onion slices. Pin it
Stir-fried chicken mixed with vibrant bell peppers in rich sauce, garnished with thin onion slices. | cookingkitchn.com
    Want super tasty black pepper chicken at home? I've created a simple black pepper chicken dish that's way better than any restaurant version! After tons of kitchen experiments, this straightforward black pepper chicken has become what my family asks for weekly. The meat turns out incredibly tender, veggies remain nicely crisp, and that spicy sauce? It's absolutely wonderful in every bite!

What Makes This Special

    This DIY black pepper chicken brings authentic flavors straight to your dinner table. My quick black pepper chicken comes together in half an hour - ideal for hectic evenings when you're tempted to order in. And this simple black pepper chicken lets you pick exactly what goes in, so it's actually better for you than takeout!

Gather Your Supplies

  • Quality Meat: For DIY black pepper chicken grab thighs as they're more succulent.
  • Crunchy Vegetables: Your quick black pepper chicken needs bell peppers celery and onions.
  • Flavorful Mix: The heart of simple black pepper chicken - oyster sauce soy sauce and plenty of pepper.
  • Flavor Boosters: Always use actual ginger and garlic for authentic taste!
  • Simple Fat: Any standard cooking oil does the job nicely.

Cooking Steps

Getting Started
Begin your DIY black pepper chicken by combining meat with oil cornstarch and soy sauce then rest for 15 minutes.
Sauce Creation
For quick black pepper chicken stir your liquid ingredients together don't be shy with the pepper!
Meat Cooking
Your pan should be extremely hot! This simple black pepper chicken requires intense heat for proper browning.
Vegetable Time
Add ginger garlic followed by vegetables stir constantly to maintain their snap.
Grand Finale
Add your peppery mixture allow it to bubble and thicken then mix everything together until fully glazed!

Pro Advice

    For outstanding DIY black pepper chicken, slice meat uniformly and always marinate! When preparing quick black pepper chicken, get all ingredients ready beforehand. Removing the meat while cooking vegetables ensures your simple black pepper chicken stays juicy not overcooked.
A close-up of a dish featuring sautéed chicken pieces mixed with red and green bell peppers in a glossy sauce, served in a black bowl on a textured cloth. Pin it
A close-up of a dish featuring sautéed chicken pieces mixed with red and green bell peppers in a glossy sauce, served in a black bowl on a textured cloth. | cookingkitchn.com

Storage Ideas

    Your DIY black pepper chicken stays good in your fridge for 3-4 days. This quick black pepper chicken can also be frozen for about 2 months! When warming up your simple black pepper chicken use a skillet it maintains texture much better than your microwave would.

Personal Touches

    Switch up your DIY black pepper chicken with hot peppers for extra kick or swap in seasonal vegetables. This quick black pepper chicken tastes amazing over noodles rice or even zucchini spirals. Just remember the secret to incredible simple black pepper chicken is using freshly ground pepper!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

Just replace soy sauce with tamari and swap out wine for dry sherry.

→ Why should I cook chicken in batches?

It helps the meat brown nicely instead of turning soggy from trapped steam.

→ Can I add different vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to toss in your favorites.

→ Why take the chicken out of the pan so soon?

It keeps the meat tender by stopping it from cooking further with leftover heat.

→ What type of rice pairs best?

Go with jasmine or a nice long-grain white rice.

Black Pepper Chicken

Fast Chinese-style stir-fry with chicken, veggies, and a bold black pepper sauce. Way better than delivery.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Chinese

Yield: 4 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 white onion, diced.
02 2 tablespoons peanut oil.
03 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
04 2 bell peppers, diced.
05 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips.
06 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce.
07 2 teaspoons black pepper.
08 1/8 teaspoon salt.
09 1 tablespoon minced ginger.
10 1/2 cup chicken broth.
11 1/2 tablespoons sugar.
12 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine.
13 2 tablespoons light soy sauce.
14 1 tablespoon light soy sauce.
15 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar.
16 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
17 2 cloves garlic, chopped small.
18 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine.

Instructions

Step 01

Let chicken soak in marinade for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 02

Stir sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Step 03

Cook the chicken in hot oil until it just starts to brown.

Step 04

Stir-fry the garlic, onion, ginger, and peppers for a few minutes.

Step 05

Pour the sauce into the pan and let it thicken up slightly.

Step 06

Turn the chicken back into the pan and coat it well.

Step 07

Quickly move to a serving dish and enjoy hot.

Notes

  1. Can easily be made gluten-free.
  2. Serve this dish while it's hot for the best flavor.
  3. Leave space in the pan to avoid steaming your ingredients.
  4. Take the pan off heat right away to avoid overcooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Flat-bottom skillet.
  • Bowls for mixing.
  • Cooking spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy.
  • Wheat from soy sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 269
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 26 g