Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Tender and flavorful, Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a perfect dish for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner party. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stir-fry brings together succulent chicken and earthy mushrooms in a bold, peppery sauce that is sure to impress. The combination of fresh vegetables and savory sauces adds depth to the dish, making it versatile for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavors: The combination of black pepper and savory sauces creates a rich, satisfying taste that elevates simple ingredients.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and veggies, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious.
• Easy Clean-Up: With just one skillet required, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, ensure you have the right tools at hand. Having the right kitchen equipment will make your preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying; allows even cooking of chicken and vegetables without overcrowding.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cutting of chicken and vegetables, which is essential for even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients like chicken with cornstarch before cooking.

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

For Garnish

• 2 green onions, chopped

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. This step helps to tenderize the chicken while adding a slight crunch when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the coated chicken until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove 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 until softened. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will add depth to your stir-fry.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the sauce to the vegetables in the skillet. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet as well. Toss everything together until well-coated in sauce and heated through (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Serving Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is easy and versatile. You can enjoy this dish in various ways, enhancing its flavor and presentation.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal.

With Noodles

• Pair it with stir-fried noodles for an Asian-inspired twist that soaks up the sauce beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken for a fresh and crunchy option ideal for appetizers.

As a Filling in Tacos

• For a fusion approach, use tortillas to create tacos filled with black pepper chicken and garnished with fresh vegetables.

On a Salad

• Top mixed greens with the stir-fry for a lighter meal option, adding a tangy dressing to complement the flavors.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sprinkle extra chopped green onions on top before serving for added crunch and freshness.

SAVE THIS!

How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

To achieve the best results with your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance flavor significantly. Opt for fresh mushrooms and crisp peppers.

• Preheat Your Skillet: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding ingredients. This helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of black pepper based on your heat preference. Start small to avoid overwhelming spice.

• Marinate Chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken slices in soy sauce and black pepper for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

• Cook in Batches: If making a large portion, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming it. This keeps it tender and juicy.

• Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best fresh off the stove. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor retention.

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Complement your meal by serving side dishes that enhance or balance the flavors of Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy option that adds vibrant color and pairs well with the dish’s bold flavors.

2. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice can soak up excess sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

3. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls add a crunchy texture alongside the soft stir-fry, creating an appealing contrast.

4. Sesame Noodles: These noodles add nuttiness while being light enough not to overpower your main dish.

5. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad refreshes your palate between bites of spicy chicken.

6. Miso Soup: Warm miso soup offers comfort and complements Asian flavors perfectly.

7. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies provide acidity that balances the richness of the stir-fry.

8. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with vegetables makes for a nutritious side that supports this flavorful main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be fun, but there are common pitfalls that can make your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms less than perfect. Here are some mistakes to watch for.

• Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken helps enhance flavor and tenderness. Take a few extra minutes to let it sit in the cornstarch and spices.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you cook too much at once, the chicken won’t brown properly. It’s better to cook in batches if necessary.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables affects taste. Always opt for fresh mushrooms and peppers for a vibrant dish.
• Not adjusting spice levels: The black pepper can vary in heat. Taste as you go and adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long can result in dry chicken. Keep an eye on your stir-fry, as it cooks quickly.

SAVE THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms that might help you out.

What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?

You can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Steamed vegetables also pair nicely.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite veggies like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms spicy?

The spice level depends on how much black pepper you use. Adjust according to your taste preferences!

How do I make this dish healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using less oil or substituting chicken breast with tofu for a vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a delightful dish that brings together bold flavors and tender textures. It’s versatile enough to customize based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special, this recipe is sure to please!