There’s a certain magic to a good stir-fry—the sizzle of the wok, the quick cooking, and the vibrant flavors. This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe captures all of that magic, delivering a dish that is savory, a little spicy, and wonderfully aromatic. It’s a classic Chinese takeout favorite that you can now make at home in under 30 minutes, and the flavor is so good, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered in.

Why This Recipe is a Favorite

This recipe is a favorite because it brings an authentic, restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with a simple and quick process. The chicken is tender and juicy, thanks to a quick marinade, and the star of the show is the rich, peppery sauce that coats everything perfectly. The dish is loaded with crisp-tender vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying and flavorful without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Easy Black Pepper Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (coarsely ground is best)
• For the Stir-Fry:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 medium white onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sliced green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier, but chicken breasts work perfectly well, too.
• Shaoxing Wine: This is a key ingredient for authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, dry sherry is the best substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, you can use a mix of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar.
• Black Pepper: The star of the dish! Freshly ground black pepper is essential for a bold, pungent flavor. Pre-ground pepper just won’t have the same impact. A coarse grind is ideal for texture and taste.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap the onion and green bell pepper for other stir-fry favorites like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or snow peas.
• Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce gives you more control over the saltiness of the dish.
• Oyster Sauce: This ingredient provides a savory, umami-rich depth to the sauce.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine. Mix well to coat each piece evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, water, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and the freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add half of the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and cook the second batch of chicken. Transfer it to the same plate and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
5. Combine & Thicken: Give the sauce mixture a quick whisk to re-combine the cornstarch. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. Add Chicken & Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well-coated in the thick, savory sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately over hot, cooked rice, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use Freshly Ground Pepper: This is non-negotiable for the best flavor. Use a pepper mill or a mortar and pestle to coarsely grind the peppercorns.
• Prep All Ingredients First: Stir-frying is a fast process. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking is essential.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures it browns properly instead of steaming.
• Whisk the Sauce Before Adding: The cornstarch in the sauce can settle at the bottom, so give it a good whisk just before you pour it into the pan to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is fantastic served on its own over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. It can also be served with fried rice or noodles. For a complete meal, a simple side like a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables would be great.

If you enjoy other flavorful one-pan meals, you might also like:

• This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
• These Chicken Enchiladas are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Black Pepper Chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you appreciate easy, savory, and satisfying dishes, be sure to explore more recipes on ChefManiac.com:

• Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter – perfect for a quick snack or party.
• This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort – for a deep dive into comforting, flavorful stews.
• This Baked Brie Appetizer is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests – a simple yet sophisticated starter.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a testament to how simple techniques and a few key ingredients can create a meal that rivals your favorite takeout. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, and it’s guaranteed to become a new staple in your kitchen.

What are your go-to stir-fry vegetables? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!