Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms has become a family favorite in my house. It’s not just about the tender chicken and earthy mushrooms; it’s the bold, peppery sauce that brings everything together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this dish is always a hit.

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up something satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please even the pickiest eaters. I love how simple ingredients can create such an incredible dish that feels special every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can have dinner ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The balance of spices means everyone will enjoy this dish, even kids!
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Delicious Leftovers: This meal tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Satisfying and Filling: Serve it over rice or noodles for a hearty dinner option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! They’re simple and wholesome, which means you probably have most of them at home already. This makes your cooking experience not only easy but also enjoyable.

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

For Garnish

• 2 green onions, chopped

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or whatever you have in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a tasty twist.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some broccoli or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat.
• Change the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for unique flavors.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix your sliced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until it’s evenly coated. This step helps create a slight crust when cooked, adding texture and flavor to your dish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the chicken until browned—about 4-5 minutes—then remove it from the skillet and set aside. Browning the chicken first locks in those juicy flavors!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry your sliced onion and bell pepper for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add in mushrooms and garlic; cook for another few minutes until everything is tender and fragrant. This process brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce

While your vegetables are cooking, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce is what makes our Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms irresistible!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the sauce over your sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Return the cooked chicken back to join them. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through—just about 1-2 minutes should do it! Ensuring every piece is covered with that delicious sauce makes every bite flavorful.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles. Your kitchen will fill with amazing aromas as you serve this delightful dish! Enjoy every bite of your homemade Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms!

Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms to restaurant-quality!

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opting for boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures quick cooking and tender results. This helps maintain the integrity of the dish while keeping it healthy and delicious.
• Prep Your Ingredients First: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will help you make this stir-fry quickly. The fast-paced nature of stir-frying means things can cook rapidly, so being organized keeps everything smooth and stress-free.
• Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Freshly grinding your black pepper enhances its flavor significantly. This small step adds a robust kick that elevates the overall taste of the dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cooking in batches if necessary allows for even cooking and browning of the chicken and vegetables.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients according to your preference. Adding more honey for sweetness or extra vinegar for tang can personalize this dish to suit your taste buds perfectly.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Presentation is key when it comes to enjoying meals at home! Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brightens up your dish.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds provides a nutty flavor and an appealing texture contrast.
• Cilantro Leaves: Fresh cilantro brings an aromatic touch that complements the peppery notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice serves as a perfect base, soaking up the flavorful sauce from the chicken.
• Stir-Fried Broccoli: Bright green broccoli not only adds color but also offers a nutritious crunch that pairs well with the tender chicken.
• Garlic Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in garlic butter create a comforting side that balances out the bold flavors of the main dish.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette will cleanse your palate between bites, making every mouthful enjoyable!

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re all set to impress yourself or anyone sharing your meal! Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe is not just quick to make, but it also shines when it comes to meal prep. You can whip up a big batch and store it for those busy weeknights!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the chicken and mushroom stir-fry into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date for reference.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for the best flavor.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious dish!

Can I use different vegetables in Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just adjust cooking times as needed to keep everything tender yet crisp.

What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?

This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried greens for a complete meal.

Is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and even freezes beautifully, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your personal preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of black pepper used and still enjoy the dish’s flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or extra mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option without losing any of that incredible taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms as much as I do! It’s such a delightful blend of flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or part of your meal prep routine, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or ask any questions!