When you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and quick to whip up, this Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect dish! Packed with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, peppery sauce, this stir-fry is a delicious weeknight meal that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor. The combination of freshly cracked black pepper and soy sauce creates a savory, spicy glaze that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry 🌶️🍗
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is quick to prepare and comes together in no time.
Bold, Zesty Flavors: The peppery sauce, paired with tender chicken and crisp veggies, creates a flavor-packed stir-fry that’s hard to resist.
Versatile and Customizable: Swap out vegetables, adjust the heat, or even add extra protein—this recipe can easily be tailored to your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This stir-fry holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for lunches or dinner throughout the week.
What Does Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Taste Like? 😋
This stir-fry has a distinct, bold flavor thanks to the freshly cracked black pepper, which gives it a spicy kick without overpowering the other ingredients. The sauce is savory and slightly sweet from the soy and oyster sauces, with a rich depth from the garlic and onions. The vegetables add crunch, while the chicken stays tender and juicy, all coated in a deliciously sticky sauce. Each bite is packed with a satisfying balance of heat and flavor that will leave you craving more.
Benefits of This Stir-Fry
- Low-carb and keto-friendly (if served with cauliflower rice or greens).
- Packed with protein and vegetables, making it a healthy, balanced meal.
- Simple pantry ingredients for an easy, accessible recipe.
- Great for meal prep—this stir-fry keeps well and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry 🌶️🍗
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for the sauce)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for the sauce)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp water
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No chicken? You can easily substitute shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian? Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Want more veggies? Add sliced carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch and color.
- Spicier? Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha to amp up the heat.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and the cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, rice vinegar, water, and freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the stir-fry to serving bowls and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.
What to Serve with Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
This dish pairs wonderfully with a bowl of fluffy white rice or stir-fried noodles to soak up all that peppery sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed broccoli. A fresh cucumber salad or stir-fried greens would also complement the bold flavors of the chicken.
Tips for Making the Best Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor. It adds more complexity than pre-ground pepper.
- Slice your ingredients thinly to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Cook over high heat to achieve a nice sear on the chicken and keep the vegetables crisp-tender.
- Double the sauce if you like your stir-fry extra saucy, or plan to serve it with lots of rice.
How to Store and Reheat Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the stir-fry becomes too dry when reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
FAQs About Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry
Q: Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables ahead of time. Store everything separately in the fridge and cook when you’re ready for a quick meal.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this stir-fry gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and make sure the oyster sauce you use is gluten-free.
Q: How can I make this dish lower in sodium?
A: Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce to reduce the salt content. You can also add more vegetables to balance out the flavors.
Conclusion: Spice Up Your Dinner Routine with Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry 🌶️🍗
This Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect way to add bold, peppery flavors to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, meal prep recipe, or something to spice up your stir-fry rotation, this dish has you covered.
Love easy, delicious meals? Be sure to check out my Garlic Ginger Beef Stir-Fry and Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein for more stir-fry inspiration!
Don’t forget to share your Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry on Pinterest and tag me in your photos! 🌶️🍲
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
