Peppery chicken stir fry is a dish that always brings a smile to my face. I remember my mom making it on busy weeknights, the aroma of the black pepper filling the kitchen with warmth. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. This easy weeknight dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m thrilled to share my version of this classic peppery chicken stir fry with you!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This peppery chicken stir fry Recipe
This peppery chicken stir fry is the ultimate comfort food meets quick weeknight dinner. From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious and flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and bold black pepper sauce is simply irresistible.
The recipe is also extremely versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the level of spiciness to your liking, or even swap out the chicken for another protein. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies and create a healthy and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy recipes! We would love for you to join our community.
Ingredients Needed for This peppery chicken stir fry Recipe
- For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon cornstarch
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Stir Fry:
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, grated
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 1 medium onion, sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
* Sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Make This peppery chicken stir fry Recipe
- 1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This will help to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- 2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, black pepper, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- 3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir fry until cooked through and lightly browned. This should take about 57 minutes. Proper cooking of the chicken is mandatory
- 4. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside. Add garlic and ginger to the wok and stir fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- 5. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and broccoli florets to the wok. Stir fry for 35 minutes, until the vegetables are tender crisp.
- 6. Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 12 minutes.
- 7. Return the cooked chicken to the wok and stir fry to coat with the sauce.
- 8. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
How to Serve This peppery chicken stir fry Recipe
This peppery chicken stir fry is fantastic served hot over steamed white rice or brown rice. You can also serve it with noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein. Consider adding a side of spring rolls or egg rolls for a complete meal.
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little extra black pepper on top just before serving. A drizzle of sesame oil can also enhance the aroma and taste. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How to Store This peppery chicken stir fry Recipe
Leftover peppery chicken stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 34 days. Make sure to cool it down completely before storing it.
To reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or you can stir fry it in a pan over medium heat until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Freezing is not highly recommended as the vegetables may become mushy, but technically you can freeze the prepared stir fry. Thaw completely before reheating as above.
Tips to Make This peppery chicken stir fry Recipe
- For the best flavor, use freshly ground black pepper. The pre-ground pepper tends to lose its potency quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the wok. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure that it browns properly.
- If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, sugar snap peas, or bok choy.
Helpful Notes for This peppery chicken stir fry Recipe
The oyster sauce adds a subtle umami flavor to the sauce, but it can be skipped. This recipe works well with chicken tenders, chicken thigh or boneless chicken. The chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce.
You can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish as desired. Make sure to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking the stir fry, as it cooks very quickly. A wok is ideal for stir frying, but a large skillet will also work just fine.
Variation of This peppery chicken stir fry Recipe
For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms. You can also add peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture.
During the autumn, use seasonal squashes to add to the vegetable mix. For a sweeter variation, add pineapple chunks. Each variation adds a unique element to the classic dish.
What is the best cut of chicken for peppery chicken stir fry?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking in your peppery chicken stir fry.
How can I make my peppery chicken stir fry spicier?
Increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your peppery chicken stir fry. You can also use a spicy sauce like sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
What vegetables go well with peppery chicken stir fry?
Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, snap peas, and mushrooms are all great additions to peppery chicken stir fry. Choose your favorites and adjust the quantity to your liking.
Can I prepare the ingredients for this peppery chicken stir fry in advance?
Yes, you can chop the chicken and vegetables ahead of time to save time during cooking. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use for your peppery chicken stir fry.
Conclusion
I genuinely hope you enjoy this flavorful and easy peppery chicken stir fry as much as my family and I do. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any night of the week and is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twists and additions. Give it a try and share your experiences. Feel free to comment and ask questions below. You truly cannot go wrong.