Description
This Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry combines tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a bold, peppery sauce for the ultimate quick and flavorful meal. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s healthier and faster than takeout.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: 1 lb (450g), sliced into ¼” pieces
- Light Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Shaoxing Wine: 1 tablespoon (or dry sherry)
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup
- Light Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Shaoxing Wine: 2 tablespoons (or dry sherry)
- Dark Soy Sauce: 2 teaspoons
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1½ tablespoons
- Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: ⅛ teaspoon
Stir-Fry:
- Peanut Oil: 2 tablespoons (or vegetable oil)
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- White Onion: ½, chopped
- Bell Peppers: 2, chopped (mixed colors)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken slices, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Mix well and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In another bowl, mix chicken broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 30 seconds on one side. Flip and cook for another 15–20 seconds. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining oil, minced ginger, and garlic. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Combine Everything: Stir the sauce again, then pour it into the skillet. Stir until it thickens. Add chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the boldest flavor.
- Adjust black pepper to your spice preference.
- Swap in vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for variety.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth stir-frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese