Peppery Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Peppery Chicken Stir Fry is your weeknight hero! Brimming with bold black pepper, tender chicken, and a medley of colorful veggies, this speedy stir fry comes together in just 30 minutes yet delivers the cozy, satisfying flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout—right from your own skillet.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Peppery Chicken Stir Fry has its own starring role, from the juicy chicken to the punchy cracked black pepper and crisp, colorful veggies. With just a handful of basics, you’ll create a dish that tastes every bit as vibrant as it looks!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these soak up all the bold marinade and cook up quickly in bite-sized pieces.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings deep umami flavor to both the marinade and sauce without overpowering saltiness.
• Oyster sauce: Adds that signature savory-sweet richness you find in classic stir fry.
• Fresh cracked black pepper: Don’t skimp! This delivers the “peppery” zing and depth that defines the dish.
• Salt: A pinch helps bring the flavors into perfect balance.
• Cornstarch: Creates an ultra-light, crispy coating on the chicken and adds body to the glossy sauce.
• Vegetable oil: Great for high-heat cooking and gives the stir fry its golden, restaurant-style finish.
• Chicken stock: Low-sodium keeps things bright and flavorful without being too salty, forming the backbone of the sauce.
• Garlic & fresh ginger: This aromatic duo infuses the dish with warmth, zest, and lots of depth.
• Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness perfectly balances the heat from the black pepper.
• Onion, celery, & red bell pepper: This classic veggie mix adds crunch, color, and a fresh contrast to the saucy chicken.
• Hot cooked white rice: The ideal foundation—ready to soak up every savory, peppery drop of sauce!

Variations

Peppery Chicken Stir Fry is endlessly versatile—don’t hesitate to mix and match based on what you have, your mood, or dietary needs. It’s the perfect canvas for tasty swaps and bold creativity!

• Swap in different proteins: Try shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef for a totally new twist.
• Play with veggies: Snow peas, snap peas, broccoli, or carrots all taste fabulous and add new color and crunch.
• Make it spicier: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or minced fresh chili for extra heat alongside that peppery backbone.
• Low-carb option: Serve it over cauliflower rice or a tangle of zoodles if you’re watching carbs.

How to Make Peppery Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, plenty of freshly cracked black pepper, and a little salt in a mixing bowl. Letting the chicken marinate—even for 10 minutes—helps infuse the meat with all those savory, peppery flavors, making every bite mouthwatering and juicy.

Step 2: Prep the Sauce

While the chicken soaks up the marinade, simply whisk together the sauce ingredients: chicken stock, more soy and oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, a touch of cornstarch, and that signature black pepper. This mixture should be silky and fragrant, ready to bring everything together.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken pieces and toss them in a shallow bowl or a resealable bag with cornstarch until every piece has a delicate dusting. The cornstarch helps you achieve that dreamy, light crispiness on the outside once the chicken hits the hot oil.

Step 4: Sauté the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add half of the coated chicken—space them out so they get golden and lightly crisp. Flip once for even browning, cooking about 5 minutes total. Remove to a plate and repeat with the rest; resist the urge to overcrowd so your chicken stays crisp, not soggy!

Step 5: Stir Fry the Veggies

Add just a bit more oil to your pan, if needed, and toss in the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are just tender and vibrant—think a couple of minutes. You want them to keep a bit of crunch for gorgeous texture contrast.

Step 6: Finish the Stir Fry

Pour in the sauce mixture and let it simmer until slightly thickened and glossy, just a minute or two. Add the crispy chicken back to the pan and give everything a gentle toss until every piece is luxuriously coated in the rich, glossy, peppery sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your Peppery Chicken Stir Fry over steaming hot rice. Get ready for that dreamy aroma and a bold, satisfying flavor explosion in every bite!

How to Serve Peppery Chicken Stir Fry

Garnishes

Shower your Peppery Chicken Stir Fry with a sprinkle of fresh sliced scallions, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds, or even a smattering of extra cracked pepper for an extra layer of aroma and a truly irresistible look.

Side Dishes

A pile of fluffy white rice is the traditional pick, but this stir fry also shines with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even fried rice for extra craveable flavor. Add steamed bok choy or quick stir-fried snow peas for a fresh, green contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Peppery Chicken Stir Fry family-style in a big platter for everyone to share, or spoon it into individual bowls with a lime wedge and a flourish of microgreens for an elegant, modern touch. For parties, tuck portions into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any extra Peppery Chicken Stir Fry to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays delicious and saucy for up to 3 days—perfect for a speedy lunch or dinner repeat.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your stir fry, place cooled portions (without rice, for best texture) in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months; just know the veggies will be softer when thawed, but the peppery flavors remain bold.

Reheating

For best results, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water until heated through. The microwave works for quick lunches—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s bold, comforting, and lightning-fast, Peppery Chicken Stir Fry deserves a spot on your dinner table this week. I hope this recipe brings you joy, saves your weeknights, and delivers that irresistible peppery punch every time you make it. Don’t forget to share your creations and enjoy every saucy, sizzling bite!

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