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A close-up of a sizzling bowl of Black Pepper Chicken with fresh bell peppers and onions.

Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

A fiery and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, savory black pepper sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal served with rice or noodles.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil
  • 1/4 tsp White Pepper
For the Black Pepper Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or more to taste
For the Stir-Fry
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil divided
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger grated
  • 1/2 medium Yellow Onion thinly sliced
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper deseeded and cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper deseeded and cut into 1-inch squares
  • 2 stalks Green Onions sliced for garnish

Equipment

  • Wok
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water (or chicken broth), 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables
  1. Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the sliced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.
Combine and Finish
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Give the prepared black pepper sauce a quick whisk again, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables.
  2. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly. Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of fresh black pepper if desired.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately with steamed white rice or noodles.

Notes

For an extra spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red chili flakes along with the aromatics. Adjust the amount of freshly ground black pepper to your preference; 2 tablespoons provide a strong, peppery flavor that is characteristic of this dish. This stir-fry is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.