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Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breast cooked with fresh vegetables and a bold, spicy black pepper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal combines savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic and ginger, and freshly cracked black pepper for a healthy, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced into strips

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 bell peppers, washed, cored, and sliced into thin strips
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, minced

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (substitute tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Cooking Oils

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Slice the boneless chicken breast into thin, even strips for quick, uniform cooking. Wash, core, and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Chop the green onions and mince the garlic and ginger. Having all ingredients prepped ahead will streamline cooking.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, chicken broth or water, and a pinch of optional cornstarch. Mix well to create a glossy, flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken and vegetables.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften while remaining crisp and vibrant.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the pan with vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly to beautifully coat the chicken and peppers. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before removing from heat.

Notes

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum aroma and flavor.
  • Cook over high heat to quickly sear chicken and keep vegetables crisp.
  • Prep all ingredients and sauce before cooking to ensure smooth workflow.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan by cooking in batches if necessary to ensure proper texture.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by controlling the amount of cornstarch slurry used.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Pepper Chicken, Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Gluten-Free Stir Fry, Weeknight Meal