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Black Pepper Chicken

This takeout favorite combines marinated chicken with bell peppers and onions in a savory black pepper sauce. Quick to make and easily adapted gluten-free.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Friday 29 November 2024
A close-up of a white bowl filled with stir-fried chicken pieces and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce.
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A close-up of a white bowl filled with stir-fried chicken pieces and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. Pin it
A close-up of a white bowl filled with stir-fried chicken pieces and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. | Myhomemaderecipe.com

    Miss your favorite Chinese takeout? Let me share my black pepper chicken that's even better! I tweaked this recipe until it was perfect tender chunks of chicken crisp veggies all wrapped in this amazing peppery sauce. Takes less time than delivery costs way less and you control exactly what goes in it!

Shopping List

  • Chicken: Breasts or thighs both work great cut them bite-sized.
  • The Sauce Magic: Soy sauce oyster sauce lots of fresh black pepper.
  • Fresh Veggies: Bell peppers onions celery for crunch.
  • Flavor Bombs: Fresh garlic and ginger make everything pop.

Let's Cook

Prep Your Chicken
Mix chicken pieces with soy sauce cornstarch and a touch of sesame oil. Let it hang out while you chop everything else.
Make That Sauce
Stir together soy sauce oyster sauce water black pepper and cornstarch. Trust me on the pepper amount!
Get Cooking
Quick sear on the chicken until golden set aside. Throw in your garlic ginger and veggies get them sizzling.
Bring It Home
Pour in that sauce let it bubble and thicken then toss your chicken back in. Once everything's hot and coated you're done!

My Kitchen Secrets

    Always marinate that chicken even for a few minutes makes it super tender. Don't crowd your pan do the chicken in batches if you need to. Cut all your veggies the same size they'll cook evenly. And give that sauce a good stir before it goes in keeps it from getting lumpy!

Serve It Up

    Rice is perfect here soaks up all that sauce! Need to keep it light? Try cauliflower rice or some zucchini noodles. Don't forget to scatter some green onions on top makes everything look fresh and fancy.

Save Some For Later

    This keeps great in the fridge about 4 days perfect for lunch next day. You can even freeze it for a couple months just thaw overnight when you want it. Heat it up in a pan not the microwave keeps everything from getting rubbery.
A skillet filled with diced chicken in a glossy sauce, mixed with red and green bell peppers and onions. Pin it
A skillet filled with diced chicken in a glossy sauce, mixed with red and green bell peppers and onions. | Myhomemaderecipe.com

Why Make It At Home

    Making your own means no mystery ingredients less oil way less salt. Plus you can throw in whatever veggies you love make it as spicy as you want. Once you nail this recipe you'll never need takeout again!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce, dry sherry for wine.

Why slice chicken against grain?

Makes meat more tender after cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, they work just as well as breasts.

Why transfer to plate immediately?

Prevents overcooking in hot skillet.

Can I adjust pepper amount?

Yes, modify to taste preference.

Black Pepper Chicken

A quick Chinese stir-fry featuring juicy chicken and crisp vegetables in a rich black pepper sauce. Better than takeout.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Chinese

Yield: 4 Servings (1)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced.
02 Marinade: 1 tablespoon light soy sauce.
03 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine.
04 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
05 Sauce: 1/2 cup chicken broth.
06 2 tablespoons light soy sauce.
07 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine.
08 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce.
09 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
10 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar.
11 2 teaspoons black pepper.
12 1/8 teaspoon salt.
13 Stir-fry: 2 tablespoons peanut oil.
14 1 tablespoon minced ginger.
15 2 cloves garlic, minced.
16 1/2 white onion, chopped.
17 2 bell peppers, chopped.

Instructions

Step 01

Marinate sliced chicken for 10-15 minutes.

Step 02

Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.

Step 03

Sear the chicken in oil until browned, then remove.

Step 04

Stir-fry the aromatics and vegetables.

Step 05

Add sauce, cook until thickened.

Step 06

Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat with sauce.

Step 07

Transfer immediately to a serving plate.

Notes

  1. Slice chicken against grain.
  2. Work quickly when cooking.
  3. Can be made gluten-free.
  4. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Spatula.
  • Sharp knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 269
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
  • Protein: 26g