Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
Juicy chicken pieces stir-fried with fermented black bean sauce, garlic, and bell peppers for a classic savory Chinese entrée. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends thinly sliced chicken breast, rinsed and mashed fermented black beans, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 1 tbsp, rinsed and mashed fermented black beans
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 1 medium, sliced red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced green bell pepper
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, chopped scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, mixing well to coat; set aside for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1 tbsp mashed fermented black beans, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add the marinated chicken to the wok, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, stirring well to coat all ingredients. Cook for an additional 1 minute until sauce is evenly distributed and heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 chopped scallion stalks. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Bean Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Bean Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Bean Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Bean Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Bean Sauce?
Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
