Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

This Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and easy dinner made with tender chicken breast, garlic, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. I like making mine with jalapeños for a little heat, but bell peppers work just as well if you prefer a milder version.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for Tender Chicken Breast
• Variations
• Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry
• More Delicious Chicken Stir Fry Recipes to Try
• Pin for later!

The chicken is marinated with soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil to help keep it juicy and flavorful. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy weeknight meal
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Tender, juicy chicken breast
• Easily customizable with jalapeños, bell peppers, or onions
• Great served with steamed rice or noodles!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine (michiu or Shaoxing wine)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Stir Fry

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 cup sliced jalapeños (about 4 oz), seeded if desired, or 1 bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced (optional)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoon water or chicken broth (optional, only if needed to loosen the sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breast, soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Remaining Ingredients

Slice the jalapeños or bell pepper, onion if using, and mince the garlic. Measure out the oyster sauce, honey or sugar, black pepper, and water so everything is ready to add to the pan when needed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mostly cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Add the jalapeños (or bell peppers) and onion, if using. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet.

Add the oyster sauce, honey or sugar, and black pepper, then mix everything well to coat the chicken and vegetables. If the sauce seems too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to loosen it. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce lightly coats the chicken and vegetables.

Serve immediately! You can serve with rice or noodles.

Tips for Tender Chicken Breast

• Slice the chicken thinly against the grain.
• Don't skip the cornstarch in the marinade.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken.
• Remove the chicken from the pan once it's mostly cooked and finish it briefly at the end.

Variations

Use Bell Peppers or Jalapenos

You can use whatever type of peppers you prefer. At my house, we aren't crazy about bell peppers, so we like to use other peppers like jalapeños, but you can easily switch it up based on what you enjoy or have on hand.

Add Onions

A sliced onion adds extra sweetness and flavor to the dish.

Make It Spicier

Leave some of the jalapeño seeds intact or add a few sliced fresh chiles.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy during cooking. I recommend it if you're new to stir frying chicken.

What is the best black pepper to use?

Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor and aroma for this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, it'll be super flavorful!

More Delicious Chicken Stir Fry Recipes to Try

Chicken Noodle Stir Fry
This quick and flavorful chicken noodle stir fry is made with tender chicken, noodles, and vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. It's an easy 30-minute dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry
This chicken mushroom stir fry is a simple and savory dish made with juicy chicken and tender mushrooms. Serve it with steamed rice for an easy homemade meal.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This classic chicken and broccoli stir fry is one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in about 20 minutes.

Cauliflower Chicken Stir Fry
This cauliflower chicken stir fry is a tasty low-carb option with tender chicken, cauliflower, and a flavorful stir fry sauce. It's easy, healthy-ish, and great for a quick dinner.

Pin for later!