Pepper Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is a bold and flavorful dish that blends tender chicken with a medley of vegetables, all cooked in a savory, peppery sauce. This quick and easy stir fry brings together a perfect combination of heat, flavor, and texture. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, then stir-fried with colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is the ideal choice. With its balanced flavors and vibrant colors, it’s both visually appealing and delicious. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, give tips for success, and offer suggestions for variations you can try.

Why You’ll Love Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

• Bold, Savory Flavors: The peppery sauce packs a punch, combining the heat of black pepper with other savory ingredients. It enhances the taste of the chicken and vegetables, making every bite full of flavor.
• Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich vegetables, this stir fry makes for a healthy and well-balanced meal. You can also adjust the vegetable mix to suit your preferences or what you have available.
• Quick and Easy: This stir fry is perfect for busy evenings. With a total cooking time of around 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful and satisfying.
• Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add more vegetables, change the protein, or adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one pan, which means easy cleanup. The stir fry method ensures that the ingredients are cooked quickly while retaining their texture and flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Pepper Chicken Stir Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any preferred cooking oil)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned or sliced thinly
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced or grated
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds richness)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Stir to coat the chicken evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes. The marinade will infuse the chicken with flavor, making it tender and delicious.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Thinly slice the onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Mince the garlic and ginger, and set everything aside so that it’s ready to go when the stir-fry process begins. Having all the ingredients prepped will make cooking quicker and more efficient.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken starts to brown. Then stir the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onions, bell peppers, and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. The vegetables should be tender yet still crisp, maintaining their color and texture. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent the vegetables from burning.

5. Add Garlic and Ginger

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step will release the flavors of the garlic and ginger into the oil, infusing the vegetables with aromatic depth.

6. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. If you like your stir fry with more heat, you can also add the crushed red pepper flakes at this point. Once the sauce is mixed, pour it over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat evenly.

7. Combine Chicken and Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the sauce and the vegetables are evenly mixed in. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.

8. Serve and Garnish

Once the stir-fry is ready, serve it immediately over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an added burst of freshness. The Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is now ready to enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

• Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to ensure the chicken and vegetables cook quickly while retaining their texture. Make sure your pan or wok is preheated before adding ingredients to get the best results.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry, and you won’t get the desired texture.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add vegetables to suit your preferences. Broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini are all excellent additions to this stir fry.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can omit the spice for a milder flavor.
• Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: For the best flavor, always use fresh ginger and garlic. These ingredients make a big difference in the taste of the stir fry, providing a more aromatic and vibrant flavor than their dried or powdered counterparts.

Variations of Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

• Pepper Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews: Add a handful of roasted cashews to the stir fry for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Stir Fry: For a citrusy twist, add the zest and juice of a lemon to the stir fry sauce. The tangy lemon will balance the peppery heat and add brightness to the dish.
• Spicy Thai Pepper Chicken Stir Fry: Incorporate some Thai ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh Thai basil. Add a couple of Thai bird’s eye chilies for a fiery kick and a touch of coconut milk for creaminess.
• Pepper Chicken Stir Fry with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the stir fry for an earthy flavor and extra texture. Mushrooms pair well with the peppery sauce and add depth to the dish.
• Pepper Chicken Stir Fry with Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, toss in chunks of fresh pineapple. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the spiciness of the pepper and creates a tropical flavor profile.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, use a skillet or microwave to heat the stir fry until it’s hot throughout.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the stir fry overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in a skillet over medium heat.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Pair this delicious stir fry with complementary sides to create a complete meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is the perfect base for the stir fry. Its subtle fragrance complements the bold flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• Garlic Noodles: Stir-fried garlic noodles make a great side dish to soak up the savory stir fry sauce.
• Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls add a satisfying crunch to your meal and make for a great appetizer or side.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili flakes provides a cool contrast to the hot and spicy stir fry.

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Conclusion

Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is a flavorful, quick, and healthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something bold and satisfying. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a deliciously peppery sauce, this stir fry will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out one of the variations, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious meal every time.