Published Nov 11, 2024
Easy Bell Pepper Chicken Recipe
In Chinese cooking, three main elements are key: color, aroma, and taste, or 色香味 (sè xiāng wèi). Color matters—it’s about making food look as appetizing as it tastes. For this chicken bell pepper, I focused on color by using green, red, and yellow bell peppers. Together with the chicken, they make the dish bright and vibrant, giving it a delicious look that matches its flavor. I often make this chicken bell pepper stir fry for my family because it’s full of that fresh, peppery aroma and flavor, and the yummy Chinese brown sauce is just right with the juicy chicken. This chicken bell pepper recipe is perfect—it’s fuss free, quick, with easy-to-find ingredients anyone can try! Before you dive in, check out my quick recipe video! It’s a great way to see the steps in action and learn the technique that brings out all those delicious flavors. For more Chinese stir fry recipes with bell peppers, check out my Black Pepper Chicken, Black Pepper Beef, and Szechuan Scallops!
Why This Recipe Works
Done in 15 minutes. This chicken bell pepper stir fry is perfect for busy nights when I want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Yummy Chinese brown sauce. I love that it’s easy to make this delicious sauce, and honestly, no Chinese stir fry is complete without it—it really brings all the flavors together. Super flexible. I can easily swap in other proteins depending on what I have at home. Picky eater friendly. I haven’t found anyone who doesn’t like it, including picky eaters. The dish goes so well with steamed rice, and you’ll be asking for seconds!
Protein Substitution
Chicken is a popular choice for this recipe, but if you’re looking for alternatives, here are some protein substitutions I personally recommend:
Beef Pork Shrimp Fish fillet
Depending on what you prefer, any of these options will give the dish a tasty twist and still be super delicious!
Chinese Chicken Bell Pepper Ingredients
Chicken breast – I used chicken breast for this bell pepper chicken recipe because it’s lean, making the dish healthier, and it cooks quickly, which is perfect for stir fry. But feel free to switch it up with any of the protein options I mentioned earlier! Cornstarch – Helps keep the chicken breast juicy and tender. Oil Ginger Bell peppers – I used three colors of bell peppers to make the dish pop, but feel free to use any colored bell pepper you have on hand! Shiitake mushrooms – I like shiitake mushroom but you can also use fresh button mushrooms or canned mushrooms. The mushrooms adds an extra layer of taste to this chicken bell pepper recipe.
Chinese Brown Sauce
Oyster sauce – A must for that rich, slightly sweet flavor! Sugar Sesame oil – Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor. Ground white pepper Cornstarch – It thickens the sauce so it perfectly coats all the ingredients. Shaoxing wine – Adds the iconic aroma to the stir fry, giving the dish a classic Chinese flavor. Water
Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full details on each ingredient.
Pro Tip: Secrets To Tender Chicken Every Time
I marinate the chicken with cornstarch to create a light coating that locks in moisture. It helps the chicken stay tender while stir frying. Don’t overcook. I cook the chicken just until it turns opaque—about 80% done—before setting it aside. This prevents it from overcooking and becoming dry. I make sure to flash cook the chicken and the other ingredients. This quick cooking method keeps it tender and locks in all the juiciness. The Chinese brown sauce adds moisture and flavor. I keep an eye on the consistency of the sauce. If it’s too thick, loosen it up with some water. If it’s too runny, add cornstarch for a thicker sauce.
What To Serve With Chicken Bell Pepper
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
