Description
This Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast strips stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, broccoli, and aromatic garlic in a savory black pepper sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines the perfect balance of spicy, salty, and umami flavors served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2-3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
Serving
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and season with salt and cornstarch. Set aside to let the seasoning absorb.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, ready for stir-frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onions, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Add Garlic and Pepper: Stir in minced garlic and freshly ground black pepper, cooking for about one minute until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Return Chicken: Add the cooked chicken strips back into the skillet with the vegetables, combining all the components.
- Add Sauces: Pour in soy sauce and optional oyster sauce, stirring well to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables in the savory sauce.
- Cook Together: Continue cooking the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to allow flavors to meld and dish to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir-fry and add more black pepper or salt if needed according to your preference for heat and saltiness.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the black pepper.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the final cooking step.
- Oyster sauce is optional but highly recommended for a deeper umami flavor.
- Use fresh ground black pepper for the best flavor intensity.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier option, adjusting cook time accordingly.
