Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Tender chicken and mushrooms come together in this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe, creating a delightful stir-fry that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party dish, this recipe stands out for its bold peppery sauce and the satisfying combination of tender chicken and earthy mushrooms. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The bold peppery sauce elevates the simple ingredients to a whole new level.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the vegetables based on what you have at home, making it adaptable for any occasion.
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one skillet.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started with your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and vegetables while providing enough space for stir-frying.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps to blend sauces smoothly, ensuring every ingredient is evenly mixed for great flavor.
Ingredients
Tender chicken and mushrooms stir-fried in a bold, peppery sauce. A quick and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables
- 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
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Oil
- 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 oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables
In the same skillet with the remaining oil, stir-fry onion and bell pepper for about 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the prepared sauce to the vegetables in the skillet. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything until well-coated and heated through for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms!
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Serving Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms can elevate your dining experience. This flavorful dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes to enhance its bold taste.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for a classic combination.
With Noodles
- Toss the stir-fried chicken with egg noodles or rice noodles for a hearty meal.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Top your dish with fresh green onions for an added crunch and vibrant color.
Accompanied by Steamed Vegetables
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to balance the meal with freshness.
With a Side Salad
- A light cucumber or Asian slaw salad can complement the savory flavors well.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with Black Pepper Chicken, perfect for a fun, interactive meal.
How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
To achieve the best results when making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, consider these handy tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and mushrooms significantly enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of black pepper according to your heat preference.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Slice chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly in the skillet.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. This helps in achieving a nice sear on the chicken.
- Let It Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly before serving; this keeps it juicy.
- Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to add chili paste or sesame oil for additional flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Complementing your main dish is essential for a balanced meal. Here are some excellent side dishes that pair wonderfully with Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fluffy, jasmine rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Noodles: These savory noodles add an aromatic touch that enhances your meal.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick-cooked bok choy retains its crunch and adds nutritional value.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad brings a cool contrast to the dish’s spiciness.
- Fried Rice: Leftover rice fried with veggies makes for a tasty side that complements the main dish.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables can serve as delightful starters alongside your meal.
- Miso Soup: A light broth soup pairs well, adding warmth without overwhelming flavors.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized flavor contrasts nicely against the peppery chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, it’s easy to overlook a few steps that can enhance your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the cornstarch: Not coating the chicken in cornstarch can lead to a less tender texture. Make sure to mix it well for a better result.
- Using too much heat: Cooking on high heat can burn the chicken quickly. Stick to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoned chicken can taste bland. Ensure you use the right amount of black pepper and salt for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking vegetables: If you cook vegetables too long, they lose their crunch and flavor. Stir-fry just until tender-crisp for best results.
- Ignoring the sauce: Forgetting to whisk the sauce properly can result in uneven flavors. Mix well before adding it to the pan.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms.
What is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken and mushrooms cooked in a flavorful peppery sauce.
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can substitute shiitake mushrooms with button or portobello mushrooms based on your preference.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily.
Final Thoughts
This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe offers a quick yet delicious meal option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows you to customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting dish that satisfies your cravings!
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors in this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe. This quick and easy stir-fry combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a bold peppery sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with any vegetables on hand, making it an adaptable option for any occasion. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying dining experience that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper (red or green)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Coat sliced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; stir-fry chicken until browned (4-5 minutes) and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil and stir-fry onions and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until tender (2-3 minutes).
- Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and additional black pepper.
- Combine the sauce with vegetables in the skillet and return the chicken; toss until heated through (1-2 minutes).
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
