Introduction
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a delightful, savory dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables. This flavorful stir-fry is seasoned with a rich blend of oyster and soy sauces, balanced by the sharp heat of black pepper. It’s a perfect combination of textures and tastes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Packed with protein, veggies, and just the right amount of heat, this dish makes for a quick yet impressive meal. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or even a special occasion when you’re craving something flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Green pepper, chopped
- 2 cups Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 Onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Water
Instructions
Start by prepping the chicken breasts. Slice them thinly against the grain to ensure they cook quickly and remain tender.
Mince the garlic, slice the onion and green pepper, and chop the mushrooms. These ingredients should be ready before you begin cooking.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced.
chicken and cook until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.
Add the garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the onions, green pepper, and mushrooms.
Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are tender, around 3-4 minutes. This step brings out the sweetness of the onions and peppers while softening the mushrooms.
Mix the cornstarch with a little bit of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Once the vegetables are tender, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper.
Stir everything together, then add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. This will help thicken the sauce and coat the chicken and vegetables.
Add the remaining water and sesame oil, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if necessary.
Once the sauce has thickened and all the ingredients are well combined, remove the pan from the heat.
Serve the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
How to Make
Start by cutting the chicken into thin slices. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
Season it with a little salt and pepper before you begin cooking to enhance its flavor. By slicing the chicken thinly, it absorbs the sauce more effectively, making each bite packed with flavor.
After cooking the chicken until golden, don’t forget to sauté the garlic separately. Garlic burns easily, and adding it after.
the chicken ensures it doesn’t turn bitter. You’ll notice the garlic becomes wonderfully aromatic when added to the hot oil.
The combination of mushrooms, onions, and green peppers adds a lovely mix of textures. Mushrooms release their natural juices.
creating a savory base for the sauce, while the peppers and onions provide crunch and sweetness. This combination of ingredients adds depth and complexity to the dish.
The sauce is simple but effective. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper form the core, creating a balanced flavor that is both savory and slightly spicy.
The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce just enough to coat the chicken and vegetables, giving it a satisfying texture.
Adding a small amount of water helps loosen the sauce so it can envelop all the ingredients without being too thick or cloying. Be sure to taste.
the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. A dash of extra soy sauce can intensify the flavor, while more pepper can kick up the heat.
The sesame oil adds a rich, nutty finish to the dish, so be sure to drizzle it in at the end. This small step elevates.
the overall flavor profile, balancing the umami of the sauces and the heat of the black pepper.
Once everything has come together, serve the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an added pop of freshness.
Variations
You can switch up the protein in this dish if you prefer something different. Pork or beef can be used in place of chicken for a richer, more robust flavor.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking times based on the protein you’re using, as they may cook differently than chicken.
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Both are excellent sources of protein and will absorb.
the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Tofu, especially, soaks up the sauce and adds a pleasant texture to the dish.
If you want a bit of sweetness to contrast the black pepper, add a small amount of honey or sugar to the sauce.
A teaspoon or two can create a delightful balance between savory and sweet. This is a great option if you’re serving the dish to kids or those who prefer a milder taste.
For a more spicy kick, feel free to add sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce. The additional heat will complement the black pepper, creating a spicy yet flavorful dish.
Another variation is to experiment with different vegetables. Instead of the usual mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
try adding broccoli, zucchini, or carrots. These vegetables can create a more colorful and textured dish while still absorbing the savory sauce.
To make it a low-carb option, you can serve the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
This keeps the dish light but still satisfying, especially if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.
If you’re looking to boost the flavor even further, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lime juice to the finished dish.
The acidity will brighten up the flavors and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the sauce.
Tips
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, ensure that your skillet or wok is preheated before adding the chicken.
This allows the meat to sear properly, locking in juices and creating a golden crust on the outside.
For an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
This step enhances the depth of the dish and makes the chicken even more flavorful.
Don’t overcook the vegetables. Keep them slightly crisp to maintain their texture and sweetness.
Stir-frying the vegetables for just a few minutes is the best way to preserve their color and crunch.
If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk. This will create a creamier, more luxurious sauce that pairs well with the spices and black pepper.
The cornstarch slurry is key to achieving the perfect consistency for the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Always taste your dish before serving. Depending on your preferences, you might want to adjust the salt or add a bit more pepper for a stronger kick.
For added texture, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top of the finished dish.
These toppings will add crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sesame oil in the recipe.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit any taste preference.
Whether you stick with the classic recipe or make variations, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.
Quick, flavorful, and full of texture, it’s an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the bold, savory flavors with every bite!