Chicken And Pepper Stir Fry

Chicken And Pepper Stir Fry is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 310 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $24.95 total, $6.24 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Skinless Chicken Breast or Thigh (cut into thin slices against the grain)
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (cut into large strips)
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (cut into large strips)
  • 0.5 large Onion (cut into large strips, separate layers)
  • 3 slices Fresh Ginger (thin slices, about 5 g total)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 stalks Green Onions (cut into 2‑inch sections; keep stems and leaves separate)
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 2 tbsp Water (for the chicken marinade)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (plus a pinch for the oil)
  • ½ tsp Baking Soda (helps tenderize the chicken)
  • ¼ tsp White Pepper Powder
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch (plus extra 1 tbsp for slurry)
  • 2 tbsp Cold Water (for slurry)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (adds nutty aroma)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (high‑heat cooking oil)
  • 1 tbsp Chinese Rice Wine (Shaoxing) or Japanese Sake (optional; can omit)
  • ¼ tsp Salt (plus a pinch for the oil)
  • ¼ tsp Crushed Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics

    Slice the ginger into three thin pieces, mince the garlic cloves, cut the green onions into 2‑inch sections and separate stems from leaves, halve the onion and cut into large strips, then separate the onion layers, and cut the red and green bell peppers into large strips.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice and Marinate Chicken

    Slice the chicken breast or thigh into thin strips, cutting against the grain. In a bowl combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, water, sugar, baking soda, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well, then add a drizzle of sesame oil and vegetable oil. Toss the chicken in the mixture until evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make Cornstarch Slurry

    In a small bowl combine 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stirring until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Stir‑Fry Onion and Peppers

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then a pinch of sugar and a pinch of salt. When the oil shimmers, add the onion strips and bell‑pepper strips. Stir‑fry for about 1 minute, then remove and set aside.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Flavor the Oil with Ginger

    Add a little more oil if needed, then add the ginger slices. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Cook the Chicken

    Add the marinated chicken to the wok, spreading it in a single layer. Let it sit undisturbed until the bottom turns lightly golden, about 3‑4 minutes. Then add the green‑onion stems, flip the chicken, and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  7. Add Garlic and Wine

    Stir in the minced garlic, mixing evenly, then pour in the rice wine (or sake). Toss quickly and allow the alcohol to evaporate, about 1 minute.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  8. Season the Chicken

    Add an extra splash of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir‑fry until the chicken is evenly coated and the color is uniform.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  9. Thicken the Sauce

    Stir the cornstarch slurry to recombine, then pour it into the wok. Continuously stir; the sauce will come to a rapid boil and thicken in about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  10. Finish the Dish

    Return the onion and pepper strips to the wok, add the green‑onion leaves and a pinch of crushed black pepper. Toss everything together for another minute until heated through.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

Nutrition Facts

Calories
310
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains soy, Contains shellfish

Allergens: soy, shellfish, gluten

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Chicken And Pepper Stir Fry

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A quick Chinese‑style chicken and pepper stir‑fry with ginger, garlic, green onions, and a savory soy‑oyster sauce. The chicken stays tender and juicy while the bell peppers stay crisp. Perfect served over rice or noodles.

MediumChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
16m
Prep
11m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.95
Total cost
$6.24
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken with baking soda and cornstarch for tenderness.
  • Ensuring the cornstarch slurry is smooth and stirring continuously when adding it to avoid lumps.
  • Cooking the chicken just until golden before adding sauces to keep it juicy.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Be careful when adding cornstarch slurry to avoid steam burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Stir‑frying originated in the Jiangnan region of China during the Ming dynasty as a fast cooking method for busy households. Chicken with bell peppers showcases the classic balance of protein and crisp vegetables, a hallmark of home‑style Cantonese and Sichuan cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken and pepper stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese style the sauce is lighter, using only light soy sauce, while Sichuan versions add doubanjiang and dried chilies for heat. Some northern recipes use Shaoxing wine and add scallions instead of green onions.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way chicken and pepper stir fry is served in China?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, over a bowl of steaming jasmine rice or alongside freshly boiled noodles, allowing the glossy sauce to coat the starch.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken and pepper stir fry traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Because it is quick and colorful, it appears at family weeknight meals, but it is also served during Lunar New Year banquets as a symbol of prosperity and bright colors.

cultural
Q

What makes chicken and pepper stir fry special or unique in Chinese cuisine?

A

The combination of a brief high‑heat sear, a light soy‑oyster glaze, and the crisp‑sweet bell peppers creates a harmony of texture and flavor that exemplifies the Chinese principle of balance between heat, sweet, salty, and umami.

cultural
Q

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

A

Overcrowding the wok, overcooking the chicken, and adding the cornstarch slurry without stirring can lead to soggy meat, uneven sauce, or lumps. Keep the heat high and work in batches if needed.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken and pepper stir fry recipe use baking soda in the chicken marinade instead of a traditional tenderizer?

A

A pinch of baking soda raises the pH of the meat surface, weakening protein bonds and keeping the chicken tender during the quick high‑heat stir‑fry, which is a common Chinese technique for silky texture.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and marinate the chicken up to a few hours ahead. Store the cooked stir‑fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making chicken and pepper stir fry?

A

The chicken should be lightly browned on the outside but still juicy inside, and the bell peppers should retain a bright color and a crisp‑tender bite. The sauce should be glossy and coat the ingredients without pooling.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking in this stir fry?

A

The chicken is done when it is no longer pink, the edges are golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). It should also feel firm but still moist when cut.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with global flavors, offering clear step‑by‑step video tutorials for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Stacey Cook emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, often using pantry staples and minimal specialized equipment, whereas many Chinese cooking channels focus on traditional techniques and hard‑to‑find ingredients.

channel

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