Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is a easy Asian recipe that serves 4. 662 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 26 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min

Cost: $15.42 total, $3.85 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 piece Red Bell Pepper (seeded and thinly sliced)
  • 1 piece Green Bell Pepper (seeded and thinly sliced)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion (ends trimmed, sliced thin or diced)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
  • 2 stalks Spring Onions (half for stir‑fry, half for garnish, thinly sliced)
  • 800 g Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into thin strips)
  • 1 tsp Salt (lightly seasoned)
  • 1.5 tsp Cracked Black Pepper (freshly cracked, plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp Peanut Oil (neutral oil, can substitute vegetable oil)
  • 2 tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce (for color)
  • 1 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Corn Flour (for thickening)
  • 0.25 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 1.5 cup Jasmine Rice (washed)
  • 550 ml Water (cold)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Remove seeds and pith from the red and green bell peppers, then thinly slice them. Trim the ends of the onion, halve, peel and slice thinly. Thinly slice the garlic cloves and spring onions (reserve half for garnish).

    Time: PT10M

  2. Make the Sauce

    In a small bowl whisk together chicken stock, low‑sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, corn flour, and cracked black pepper until smooth. Set aside.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Season the Chicken

    Place the chicken strips in a mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt, a generous pinch of cracked black pepper, and 1 tsp peanut oil. Toss with clean hands until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Cook Jasmine Rice

    Add 1.5 cups washed jasmine rice and 550 ml cold water to a saucepan. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat, stirring briefly to prevent clumping. Cover, reduce to low heat and simmer for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steam, lid on, for another 4 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

    Time: PT16M

    Temperature: high heat then low

  5. Sear the Chicken

    Heat the wok over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly. Add 1 tbsp peanut oil, then spread the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Let it sit untouched for about 2 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and cook another 2‑3 minutes until fully cooked.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high

  6. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and keep warm.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Stir‑Fry Vegetables

    Add another 1 tbsp peanut oil to the same wok. Toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers, stir‑frying for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften and release moisture.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  8. Add Garlic

    Add the sliced garlic and stir‑fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.

    Time: PT0.5M

    Temperature: high

  9. Combine Chicken, Sauce, and Spring Onions

    Return the chicken to the wok, pour in the prepared sauce, and add half of the sliced spring onions. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  10. Finish and Garnish

    Transfer the stir‑fry to serving plates, garnish with the remaining spring onions and an extra sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

    Time: PT1M

  11. Cool and Store

    Allow the dish to cool for 15‑20 minutes before portioning into containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.

    Time: PT20M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
662
Protein
44 g
Carbohydrates
160 g
Fat
27 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Dairy-Free, High-Protein, Gluten-Containing (soy sauce)

Allergens: Soy, Peanut, Shellfish (oyster sauce)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens

A quick and flavorful Asian‑style black pepper chicken stir‑fry served over fluffy jasmine rice. Thinly sliced bell peppers, onion, garlic and spring onions are tossed with tender chicken thigh strips in a savory soy‑oyster sauce, finished with cracked black pepper for a satisfying bite.

EasyAsianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
38m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.42
Total cost
$3.85
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Seasoning the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and oil.
  • Searing the chicken without overcrowding to develop a crust.
  • Whisking the sauce thoroughly to dissolve corn flour.
  • Adding the sauce at the right moment and cooking until thickened.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can smoke; keep a lid nearby and avoid splatter.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Do not let garlic burn; it becomes bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of black pepper chicken stir fry in Asian cuisine?

A

Black pepper chicken is a classic Cantonese‑style stir‑fry that showcases the bold flavor of cracked pepper combined with soy‑based sauces. It became popular in Chinese restaurants worldwide as a quick, protein‑rich dish that pairs well with rice.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of black pepper chicken in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Guangdong, the dish often uses oyster sauce and a higher ratio of black pepper for a smoky bite. In Sichuan versions, chili oil or Sichuan peppercorns are added for heat and numbing sensation, while northern styles may include more soy sauce and less pepper.

cultural
Q

How is black pepper chicken traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, over a bowl of steamed jasmine or long‑grain rice. The dish is garnished with sliced spring onions and sometimes toasted sesame seeds for added texture.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is black pepper chicken commonly prepared in Chinese culture?

A

Black pepper chicken is a go‑to family dinner dish for weeknight meals and is also served at casual gatherings, birthday parties, and Chinese New Year celebrations because it is quick to make and loved by all ages.

cultural
Q

What makes black pepper chicken stir fry special in Asian cuisine compared to other chicken stir fries?

A

The generous use of freshly cracked black pepper gives a distinctive aromatic heat that stands out from sweeter soy‑based stir fries. The quick high‑heat cooking locks in juiciness while creating a light caramelized crust.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for black pepper chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include chicken thigh, low‑sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, corn starch, and fresh cracked black pepper. Substitutes can be chicken breast, regular soy sauce (use less), hoisin sauce for oyster sauce, and cornstarch instead of corn flour.

cultural
Q

What other Asian dishes pair well with black pepper chicken stir fry?

A

It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, simple cucumber salad, stir‑fried bok choy, or a light miso soup. For a fuller meal, serve alongside egg rolls or spring rolls.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making black pepper chicken stir fry?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the wok, which steams the chicken instead of searing; letting the garlic burn; and not whisking the cornstarch slurry well, resulting in lumps. Also, using too much sauce can make the dish soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this black pepper chicken stir fry recipe use a hot wok and quick cooking instead of a slower braise?

A

A hot wok creates a seared crust and smoky "wok‑hei" flavor that defines classic stir‑fry dishes. Slow braising would soften the peppery bite and lose the bright, crisp texture of the vegetables.

technical
Q

Can I make black pepper chicken stir fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead, then store them separately in airtight containers. Cooked chicken and vegetables keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 4 months; reheat in a microwave or quick pan‑fry.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specializes in straightforward, high‑protein home‑cooking tutorials that focus on practical meals for fitness and weight‑loss goals, often featuring quick stir‑fries and meal‑prep ideas.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens' approach to Asian cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?

A

Chef Jack Ovens emphasizes nutrition‑focused tweaks, such as using low‑sodium sauces and lean protein cuts, while still preserving authentic flavors. Other Asian cooking channels may prioritize traditional techniques without the same health‑centric lens.

channel

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