If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bold, peppery flavors with the earthiness of mushrooms, look no further than Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms. This dish is a delight that’s destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The bold black pepper perfectly complements the earthy richness of mushrooms.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: Quick to prepare and cook, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to accommodate different vegetables or levels of spiciness.
- Packed with Protein: A hearty dish that satisfies and fuels your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe calls for simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is tasty.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking, delivering tender protein in every bite.
- Cornstarch: Provides a light coating that helps the chicken breast remain juicy and soft.
- Soy sauce & Oyster sauce: These sauces are key for a savory depth of flavor.
- Mushrooms: Preferably button or cremini, they add an earthy contrast to the robust pepper.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a bold, spicy kick.
- Green onions: Optional, but they make a delightful garnish adding freshness and color.
Variations
Feel free to make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms your own! It’s super easy to switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for tofu for an equally satisfying plant-based option.
- Extra Spicy: Add thinly sliced chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes for an added kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips. In a mixing bowl, toss them with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated. This step helps the chicken to crisp slightly while cooking, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken strips and cook for about 5–7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, then the chopped onions and mushrooms. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and the mushrooms release their lovely earthy aroma.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Stir in minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water. Mix everything thoroughly and let it simmer gently. As it simmers, the flavors will blend and intensify, creating a luscious sauce ready to bring the whole dish together.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it with the savory mushroom mixture and sauce. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Add freshly ground black pepper for another layer of spice.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, if desired, and serve hot alongside steamed rice or your favorite noodles. This vibrant dish is sure to be a dinner hit!
Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Perfect Chicken Slices: Freeze the chicken for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner, thinner cuts that cook evenly.
- Mushroom Selection: Use a mix of mushrooms for a richer, deeper flavor profile.
- Sauce Mastery: Let the sauce simmer slowly for maximum flavor development.
- Spice Balance: Adjust the pepper to your liking—start small and add more to find your perfect spice level.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, garnish with finely chopped green onions or sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. These garnishes not only enhance presentation but add a subtle layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of stir-fried noodles. Both options soak up the flavorful sauce, making every bite delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish family-style on a rustic platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, turn it into a rice bowl with a side of your favorite Asian greens for a beautifully complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to two months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to re-energize the sauce and ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, chicken thighs will add even more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they are thoroughly cooked before serving.
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What’s the best way to slice mushrooms for this dish?
Slice mushrooms evenly, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they cook uniformly and add great texture to the dish.
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Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet to accommodate all the ingredients.
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Are there any dairy products in this recipe?
No, this recipe is dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Final Thoughts
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a delightful dish that promises bold flavors and satisfying bites. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for experimentation, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
PrintBlack Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a flavorful and savory stir-fry dish featuring tender sliced chicken breasts cooked with aromatic black pepper, mushrooms, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines bold flavors with a pleasing texture, served best over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sautéed Vegetables & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Green onions, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. In a bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and golden.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of white pepper or a dash of chili flakes.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Ensure vegetables are cooked but still retain some bite for the best texture.
- To make ahead, keep the cooked chicken and sauce separate and combine when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg