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Black Pepper Chicken

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This bold and savory Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and easy stir-fry recipe featuring tender chicken strips in a rich, peppery sauce. Made in under 30 minutes with pantry staples, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Easily customizable and gluten-free friendly, this better-than-takeout dish is packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • For the sauce:
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 2 tbsp light soy sauce (or tamari)
    • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
    • 2 tsp dark soy sauce (or tamari)
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
    • 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
    • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Cook chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer, sear for 1 minute per side, then stir-fry until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Add remaining oil, then ginger and garlic. Stir quickly.
  5. Add vegetables: Add onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 20 seconds.
  6. Add sauce: Stir the sauce to dissolve cornstarch, then pour it into the skillet. Cook until thickened.
  7. Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, stir to coat, and cook until everything is hot and fully cooked through.
  8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Swap bell peppers with broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini.
  • Add fresh chili or chili paste for extra heat.
  • Mushrooms or baby corn make great additions for a richer flavor.
  • Store leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat in skillet with splash of water for best results.
  • Prep chicken and sauce in advance for quicker cooking.
  • Use tamari and dry sherry to make it gluten-free.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/black-pepper-chicken/