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Black Pepper Chicken

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Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables in a rich, peppery sauce. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes better than takeout.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thinly

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp apple vinegar

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp apple vinegar

  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 1/2 tbsp sugar

  • 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

  • 1/8 tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil

  • 1 tbsp minced ginger

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 white onion, chopped

  • 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors work well)

Instructions

  • Slice chicken into thin strips. Place in a bowl with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Mix well and marinate for 10–15 minutes.

  • In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp apple vinegar, 2 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir until cornstarch is dissolved.

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear for 1 minute without stirring, then flip. Cook another 30–60 seconds until lightly browned but still slightly pink. Remove and set aside.

  • Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil. Stir in ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add onion and bell peppers, stir-fry for 20 seconds.

  • Stir the prepared sauce again and pour into the skillet. Cook while stirring until thickened enough to coat a spoon.

  • Return chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated in the glossy sauce.

  • Transfer immediately to a serving plate. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of black pepper to taste.

  • Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for variety.

  • For gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari.

  • Do not overcook the chicken; removing it on time keeps it tender.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes