Tender chicken and mushrooms come together in a delightful stir-fry known as Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, delivering bold, peppery flavors in just 30 minutes. With its quick preparation time and satisfying taste, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or use different types of mushrooms based on your preferences, ensuring variety every time you make it.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s an ordinary weeknight or a gathering with friends, this dish fits right in.
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrients from vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice for dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is simple with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding, essential for achieving that perfect stir-fry texture.
- Sharp knife: Quick and precise slicing of chicken and vegetables speeds up preparation time.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps combine the sauce ingredients smoothly, ensuring all flavors meld well together.
Ingredients
Tender chicken and mushrooms stir-fried in a bold, peppery sauce. A quick and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Mix sliced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet with remaining oil, stir-fry onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the sauce to the vegetables in the skillet. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything until well-coated and heated through for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms!
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Serving Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its bold flavors.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a comforting meal.
With Noodles
- Toss the chicken with cooked lo mein or rice noodles for a delightful stir-fry experience.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for added freshness and a pop of color.
Accompanied by a Salad
- A simple cucumber or Asian slaw salad can add crunch and balance the peppery chicken.
As Part of a Bento Box
- Include sections of the chicken along with rice, pickled vegetables, and fruit for a colorful lunch option.
With Dipping Sauces
- Serve alongside soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for an extra flavor boost.
How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
To achieve the best results, follow these tips for perfecting your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh chicken and mushrooms provide better flavor and texture.
- Control the Heat – Adjust the stovetop heat to prevent burning while achieving a nice sear on the chicken.
- Marinate Before Cooking – Letting the chicken marinate in soy sauce enhances its taste and tenderness.
- Experiment with Vegetables – Add other veggies like snap peas or carrots for more color and nutrition.
- Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning during cooking to ensure perfect flavor balance.
- Serve Immediately – Enjoy the dish hot for the best taste and texture experience.
Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Pairing side dishes with your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Broccoli – Adds vibrant color and is rich in vitamins; simply steam until tender.
- Fried Rice – Flavorful fried rice mixed with peas and carrots complements the dish perfectly.
- Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast; serve them as an appetizer.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort and balances the meal nicely.
- Sautéed Bok Choy – Lightly sautéed bok choy adds greens that enhance nutritional value.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread can be an unexpected but delightful pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, it’s essential to steer clear of common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to tough and dry meat. Cook the chicken until it’s just browned, then remove it from the skillet to keep it tender.
- Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the chicken can result in a less flavorful dish. The cornstarch helps create a crispy texture and absorbs sauces better.
- Using too much oil: Excess oil can make the dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amounts for a healthier meal.
- Neglecting ingredient prep: Cutting vegetables and measuring sauces in advance ensures smooth cooking. Prepare everything before starting to stir-fry.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste as you go! Add more black pepper or salt if needed, depending on your flavor preferences.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms.
Can I use other vegetables in Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?
Yes! Feel free to add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?
This dish pairs well with rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables.
Is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms spicy?
The recipe is not overly spicy but has a nice peppery kick. Adjust black pepper to your taste for more heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, then reheat when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a delightful recipe that combines tender chicken and earthy mushrooms in a bold sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Indulge in the bold flavors of Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, a delightful stir-fry that brings tender chicken and earthy mushrooms together in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions and can be ready in just 30 minutes. The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its versatility, you can swap vegetables based on your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper (red or green)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 green onions for garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by mixing with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir-fry the chicken until browned (4-5 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry sliced onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and add the sauce. Toss everything to coat and heat through (1-2 minutes).
- Serve hot garnished with green onions over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
