Stir-Fried Chicken with Mixed Peppers and Black Bean Sauce
A vibrant stir-fry combining tender chicken with colorful bell peppers in a savory black bean sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This Chinese-inspired stir-fry recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless chicken breast, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 boneless chicken breast
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 2 tbsp fermented black beans
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 stalks green onions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 1 lb boneless chicken breast into thin strips about 1/2-inch thick, then toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Dice 1 medium red bell pepper, 1 medium yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium green bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Mince 3 garlic cloves and grate 1 tbsp ginger.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and slightly golden; remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same wok, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and 2 tbsp fermented black beans, frying for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add the diced bell peppers and stir-fry for 3 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the wok and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/4 cup water, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and peppers.
- Step 7: Chop 2 stalks green onions and sprinkle over the dish before serving, adding a fresh bite and bright color.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Mixed Peppers and Black Bean Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Chicken with Mixed Peppers and Black Bean Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Mixed Peppers and 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Mixed Peppers and 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Mixed Peppers and Black Bean Sauce?
Chinese stir fry 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was a hit with my family! The black bean sauce was perfect and the chicken was tender.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made it for dinner guests and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Quick and easy weeknight meal. The mixed peppers added a nice crunch.
