Tender chicken and mushrooms stir-fried in a bold, peppery sauce is the essence of Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms. This dish is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings, as it combines vibrant flavors and textures into a quick meal ready in just 30 minutes. Its versatility makes it suitable for serving over rice or noodles, ensuring everyone at your table will enjoy this delightful Asian-inspired dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Flavors: The combination of black pepper and savory sauces creates a mouthwatering taste that stands out.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or noodles to suit your preference and make it even more filling.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools on hand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, you’ll want to gather a few essential items that will speed up the process and enhance your cooking experience.
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 browning of the chicken and vegetables.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts, making your prep work quick and safe.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken with cornstarch and spices before cooking.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly without clumps.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
– 8 ounces mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 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 of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry the chicken until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil.
- Stir-fry onion and bell pepper for about 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add mushrooms and garlic; cook another 2–3 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and remaining black pepper.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with vegetables.
- Return chicken to the skillet; toss everything together until well-coated and heated through (about 1–2 minutes).
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles.
This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy creating this delightful Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms!
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal experience.
Serve Over Rice
- White or brown rice absorbs the bold flavors of the sauce, making it a perfect base for this dish.
Pair with Noodles
- Soft noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, provide a delightful texture that complements the stir-fried chicken and mushrooms.
Add Fresh Salad
- A crisp green salad with a light dressing can balance the richness of the dish and add a refreshing crunch.
Garnish with Herbs
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can enhance the flavor and presentation of your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms.
Enjoy with Steamed Vegetables
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy adds color and nutrition, making your meal more balanced and satisfying.
How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
To achieve the best version of Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, consider these helpful tips.
Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh chicken and vegetables enhances the taste and texture of the dish.
Adjust seasoning carefully: Taste as you go to ensure the right balance of flavors without overwhelming heat.
Use high heat: Stir-frying over high heat keeps the chicken tender and prevents it from stewing, giving you that desired crispness.
Prep ahead: Having all ingredients ready before cooking makes the process quicker and smoother, especially for a busy weeknight dinner.
Experiment with sauces: Feel free to add different sauces like hoisin or teriyaki for unique flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Pairing side dishes with your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice complements Asian dishes well and absorbs delicious sauces beautifully.
Garlic Fried Rice: A flavorful twist on traditional rice that adds depth to your meal through aromatic garlic flavors.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick to prepare, this vegetable offers a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with stir-fried chicken.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers and a light vinegar dressing provides a cool contrast to spicy dishes.
Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat make for an appealing appetizer alongside your main course.
Miso Soup: This warm soup adds warmth and umami to your meal, creating a comforting dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, it’s easy to encounter some pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not marinating the chicken: Marinating helps enhance the flavor. Allow the chicken to sit in the cornstarch and seasonings for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of frying. Fry in batches if necessary for a nice brown color.
- Ignoring the heat level: Cooking on too low of heat won’t give you that stir-fried texture. Ensure your skillet is hot enough to create a good sear on the chicken.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or canned ingredients can dull the flavors. Always opt for fresh vegetables and meats when possible for the best taste.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Vegetables should remain crisp and vibrant. Cook them just until tender to maintain their texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute turkey, beef, or tofu for a different protein option while maintaining similar cooking times.
What type of mushrooms work best?
Both shiitake and button mushrooms work wonderfully in this dish due to their flavors and textures.
Is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms spicy?
The dish has a peppery flavor but is not overly spicy. Adjust black pepper according to your preference for heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and ensure that any sauces used are vegetarian-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without much fuss. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a delightful stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken and savory mushrooms in a bold, peppery sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, taking just 30 minutes from prep to plate. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. The balance of flavors, along with the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables, makes this dish not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts and coat with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet; stir-fry 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 until tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and remaining black pepper.
- Return chicken to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
