Black Pepper Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken with bold black pepper and crisp vegetables in savory sauce

# Ingredient list:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
03 - Salt to taste

→ Sauce

04 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
08 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 - 1 large onion, sliced
11 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
12 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
13 - Green onions, chopped for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine the chicken pieces with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
03 - In the same skillet, add sliced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still retaining crunch.
04 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
05 - Return the chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce mixture.
06 - In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely.
07 - Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 5 more minutes. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the meat and vegetables.
08 - Remove from heat and garnish generously with chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce creates this glossy coating that makes everything feel like it came from a wok restaurant
  • It hits that perfect balance of heat and savory that keeps you going back for just one more bite
02 -
  • Do not crowd your pan when searing the chicken or it will steam instead of brown and you lose that flavorful crust
  • The cornstarch slurry must be completely smooth before adding it to the hot sauce or you will end up with lumpy globs
03 -
  • Pat your chicken dry before seasoning so it browns better in the hot oil
  • Have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you turn on the stove, stir frying goes fast
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