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A close-up high-angle shot of savory Chinese black pepper chicken stir-fry served in a white bowl with rice.

Black Pepper Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Recipe!)

This Black Pepper Chicken is a savory, restaurant-quality stir-fry made in just 20 minutes. Featuring tender chicken and a bold, peppery sauce, it's the perfect easy weeknight dinner that's even better than takeout.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Wok
  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Whisk

Instructions
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Toss until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and coarsely ground black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and celery and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Bring to a simmer and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats everything evenly. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly cracked black pepper from a pepper mill set to a coarse grind.
You can substitute chicken breast, but chicken thighs will yield a more tender and flavorful result.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms along with the celery and onions.
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