Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make Black Pepper Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken strips stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce enriched with dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Perfectly paired with boiled rice and garnished with spring onions for a delicious Asian-inspired meal.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 chicken breasts – sliced into thin strips (about 525g/18.5oz)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Oils
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or rapeseed oil)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion – peeled and chopped into thick slices
- 1 green bell pepper – deseeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper – deseeded and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic – peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
Sauce and Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 120 ml (½ cup) chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (additional)
To Serve
- Boiled rice
- Chopped spring onions (scallions)
- Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken strips with 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and ¼ teaspoon of salt, ensuring the pieces are evenly coated for flavor.
- Heat Oils and Cook Chicken: Heat the neutral oil and sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan/skillet over high heat until hot. Add the chicken strips and fry for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the sliced onions, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing often until the vegetables begin to soften but remain crisp.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small jug or bowl, combine the cornflour, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese rice wine. Stir until the cornflour is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Stock and Pepper: Pour in the chicken stock along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Sauce with Chicken and Vegetables: Pour the sauce mixture into the wok and stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce comes to a gentle simmer and thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach desired consistency. Turn off the heat.
- Serve: Plate the black pepper chicken alongside boiled rice and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped spring onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use chicken breast or thigh meat depending on preference; thighs will yield a juicier texture.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper if you want a milder or spicier dish.
- Chinese rice wine can be substituted with dry sherry if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Ensure the wok or pan is very hot before adding the chicken for the best sear and texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the vegetables and tenderness of the chicken.
Keywords: black pepper chicken, stir fry chicken, Chinese chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, chicken with peppers, Asian chicken recipe