Imagine coming home after a long day and craving something flavorful, hearty, and easy to prepare. Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a bold, peppery sauce, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
This dish is inspired by Asian-style stir-fries, making it quick, simple, and incredibly delicious. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family or guests.
Let’s get started on creating the perfect black pepper chicken with mushrooms recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
✔️ Bold Flavors: A rich sauce infused with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
✔️ Perfect Balance: The combination of mushrooms and black pepper gives a savory, slightly spicy kick.
✔️ Healthy & Nutritious: High in protein, packed with antioxidants, and low in carbs.
✔️ Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or swap the protein to make it your own.
Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced) | 2 |
Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Vegetable oil (divided) | 2 tbsp |
Onion (chopped) | 1 |
Mushrooms (sliced) | 2 cups |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
Oyster sauce | 1 tbsp |
Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
Water | ¼ cup |
Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Green onions (for garnish) | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Toss them with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This step ensures a crispy texture and helps the sauce adhere better.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Create the Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well to coat it with the sauce. Allow everything to cook together for another 2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld.
6. Season & Garnish
Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions for extra freshness.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy this mouthwatering dish!
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
🥢 Steamed Jasmine Rice – A simple base that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
🥢 Garlic Noodles – Adds an extra layer of flavor.
🥢 Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy make great additions.
🥢 Fried Rice – A fun twist that adds even more texture and taste.
Tips for the Best Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
⭐ Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: It gives a much stronger, more aromatic kick than pre-ground pepper.
⭐ Slice Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from drying out.
⭐ Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmering helps develop deeper flavors.
⭐ Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: It creates a more authentic, restaurant-style texture.
⭐ Experiment with Mushrooms: Try shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms for different flavors.
Variations & Substitutions
🔹 Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for an extra kick.
🔹 Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh.
🔹 Use a Different Protein: Substitute with shrimp, beef, or pork.
🔹 Add More Veggies: Try carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn for added crunch.
🔹 Lower the Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to make the dish healthier.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat on medium with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?
It’s a savory and slightly spicy stir-fry featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a black pepper-infused sauce. It’s commonly found in Asian cuisine, especially Chinese-style dishes.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative.
3. What mushrooms work best in this dish?
You can use button mushrooms, cremini, shiitake, or portobello. Each adds a slightly different texture and taste.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything except the sauce, then store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat and mix in the sauce for freshness.
5. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- Cook over high heat for a short time to retain moisture.
- Toss the chicken in cornstarch to lock in juices.
- Avoid overcooking—5-7 minutes is usually enough.
6. Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely! If you love extra sauce, double the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is the perfect choice. It’s rich, aromatic, and satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
So grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy a homemade stir-fry that’s better than takeout! 🍽️
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Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms stir-fry is a quick, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a bold, peppery sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and toss with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the onion and mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water. Let simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing well to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season & Garnish: Add freshly ground black pepper to taste and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly ground black pepper for a bolder taste.
- Slice chicken evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by simmering longer or adding more water.
- High heat stir-frying enhances the flavors and texture.
- Try different mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian