Black Pepper Chicken Stirfry

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Savor tender chicken paired with crisp bell peppers and onions, all coated in a deeply fragrant black pepper sauce with a hint of soy and wine. Marinated chicken is lightly seared for maximum juiciness, then tossed with aromatics and quickly stir-fried for unbeatable texture and flavor. The sauce, thickened just enough to cling to each bite, results in a vibrant dish that's both savory and peppery. Prepped and finished in under half an hour, this satisfying meal comes together effortlessly, offering the perfect balance of deep umami and bold pepper warmth.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 20 Jul 2025 02:45:08 GMT
A plate of food with peppers and onions. Pin it
A plate of food with peppers and onions. | gracefulflavors.com

This black pepper chicken is my go-to when I want something fast bold and utterly satisfying It features juicy morsels of chicken crisp colorful peppers and onions tossed in a glossy sauce that packs a peppery punch It comes together so quickly that I often whip it up on busy weeknights but it tastes just like the kind you get at a great Chinese spot

My family first tried this when we were all craving takeout but did not want to wait for delivery Now it is part of our regular dinner rotation and everyone polishes their plate every single time

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast or thighs: sliced thinly for maximum tenderness Look for firm plump chicken for best texture
  • Light soy sauce: brings classic umami and saltiness Choose naturally brewed if you can
  • Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: gives a depth found in authentic stir fries Shaoxing wine has a distinct aroma so try to find it in Asian markets
  • Cornstarch: helps keep the chicken juicy and thickens the sauce Make sure it is lump free
  • Chicken broth: deepens the savory notes Opt for low sodium to control flavor
  • Dark soy sauce: lends color and a richer sweetness Adds the characteristic dark glaze
  • Sugar: balances the heat of the pepper and rounds out flavors Use regular granulated sugar for best results
  • Coarsely ground black pepper: is the star for bold but not overwhelming spice Go for freshly cracked if possible for fragrance
  • Salt: heightens all the flavors Go easy as the sauciness adds saltiness too
  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil: High smoke point and neutral flavor makes it perfect for quick stir frys
  • Fresh ginger and garlic: inject sharpness and depth Never use jarred for this touch
  • White onion and bell peppers: provide crunch and natural sweetness Choose firm peppers and onions without blemishes For color use multiple bell pepper varieties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl combine sliced chicken with soy sauce Shaoxing wine and cornstarch Use your hands to gently mix until all pieces have a sticky even coating Let the chicken rest so it absorbs flavor about ten to fifteen minutes This will help the pieces stay extra tender and juicy when cooked
Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl stir together chicken broth both soy sauces Shaoxing wine cornstarch sugar black pepper and salt Stir very well so cornstarch dissolves fully This helps prevent clumps later on
Sear the Chicken:
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium high until shimmering Spread the marinated chicken in as close to a single layer as possible Let it sear undisturbed for about one minute until you see a golden crust developing Flip all the pieces and cook until just cooked through but still a little pink It should be fragrant and juicy not dry Move chicken to a plate so it does not overcook
Cook the Vegetables:
Return the pan to heat add the rest of the oil and drop in the minced ginger and garlic Stir them quickly until aromatic but do not let them brown Add onion and bell peppers Stir fry energetically for about twenty seconds so they stay crisp and bright
Combine and Finish:
Give the sauce a last stir to lift any settled cornstarch then pour it into the hot pan The sauce will bubble and thicken instantly as you stir with a spatula Once silky and clinging to veggies add back the chicken Keep tossing everything together so all pieces get glossy and fully coated Remove from heat immediately and scoop onto a serving platter To prevent everything from overcooking transfer out of the pan straight away
A stir fry of meat and vegetables. Pin it
A stir fry of meat and vegetables. | gracefulflavors.com

The black pepper is what makes this dish so memorable Each time I cook with freshly cracked pepper I am reminded of my grandfather who sprinkled pepper on everything He would have loved this meal so much and we always think of him around the dinner table

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days To keep everything crisp store the chicken and veggies separate from any rice or noodles When reheating use a skillet over medium heat for the best flavor and texture instead of a microwave That way the vegetables keep their bite

Ingredient substitutions

If you want a vegetarian option swap the chicken for extra firm tofu sliced and dried thoroughly Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth Red or yellow onions work if you do not have white Shaoxing wine can be swapped with dry sherry or even a splash of apple juice in a pinch

Serving suggestions

This dish is at its best served steaming hot over fluffy jasmine or long grain rice You can also pair it with simple stir fried noodles or scoop it atop rice noodles for a lighter feel If you want an extra veggie boost add steamed broccoli on the side

A pan of meat and vegetables. Pin it
A pan of meat and vegetables. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural context

Black pepper chicken is inspired by Chinese American stir fry classics It gets its punchy warmth from coarsely ground pepper a loved spice in both Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine Making it at home means you can tailor the spice and sweetness level to exactly how you want

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of chicken cuts work best?

Both chicken breasts and thighs are great options. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts cook quickly and stay tender when properly marinated.

→ Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap tamari for soy sauce and use dry sherry in place of Shaoxing wine for a gluten-free result.

→ How to ensure tender chicken pieces?

Slice chicken against the grain and marinate with cornstarch and soy sauce to enhance tenderness and moisture retention during stir-frying.

→ Are other vegetables suitable for this stir fry?

Bell peppers and onion shine here, but snap peas, broccoli, or carrots can be excellent substitutions or additions.

→ What is the flavor profile of the black pepper sauce?

This sauce is savory, robust, and aromatic, with bold black pepper heat and a balance of soy sauce, wine, and a touch of sweetness.

→ What’s the best way to serve this?

Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete and comforting meal. The sauce is perfect for soaking into grains.

Black Pepper Chicken Stirfry

Tender chicken, peppers, and onion tossed in a rich, aromatic black pepper sauce for a quick, tasty meal.

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

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Chinese

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Poultry

01 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced against the grain into 1/4 inch pieces

→ Marinade

02 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
03 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
04 1 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Sauce

05 1/2 cup chicken broth
06 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
07 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
08 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
09 1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
11 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
12 1/8 teaspoon salt

→ Stir Fry Vegetables and Aromatics

13 2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable 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

Combine the sliced chicken, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Mix gently by hand to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 02

Whisk together chicken broth, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl until the cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.

Step 03

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear for 1 minute, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring until both sides are browned but not fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 04

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Stir in ginger and garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, stirring for about 20 seconds.

Step 05

Stir the sauce mixture again, then pour it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss quickly to coat all pieces in the sauce. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a serving plate.

Step 06

Serve the black pepper chicken hot as a main dish.

Notes

  1. For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for both types of soy sauce and use dry sherry in place of Shaoxing wine.
  2. Immediately transfer the finished stir-fry from the skillet to a plate to prevent overcooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains 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: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17.8 g
  • Protein: 26.1 g