Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful meal that bursts with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and fresh mushrooms come together in a bold, peppery sauce that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that feels like a treat but is easy enough for any night of the week. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy this meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to customize it!
• Flavor Packed: The bold black pepper and savory sauces create an unforgettable taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy reheating!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! They are all simple, wholesome items that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms:

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make it your own by switching up a few ingredients or adding in something new. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Change the mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms like portobello or cremini.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños if you like a kick!

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by mixing your sliced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. This step helps create a lovely coating that will give the chicken a nice texture when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot enough, add your coated chicken slices. Stir-fry them until they’re browned and cooked through—this should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed and toss in your sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add in the mushrooms and minced garlic; cook for another couple of minutes until everything is fragrant and tender.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and an additional teaspoon of black pepper. This mixture packs a punch of flavor that will tie everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour your prepared sauce into the skillet with the veggies. Add back the cooked chicken and toss everything together well until it’s heated through—just about 1 or 2 minutes should do!

Step 6: Serve it Up!

Garnish your delicious Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms with chopped green onions before serving. It’s fantastic over rice or noodles! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tips up your sleeve to make things easier and tastier!

• Prep Your Ingredients Ahead: Having all your ingredients sliced and ready to go helps streamline the cooking process, ensuring you won’t miss a beat when the heat is on.
• Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Freshly grinding your black pepper gives a stronger flavor compared to pre-ground. This enhances the dish’s signature peppery kick that makes it so memorable.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying in batches if necessary prevents steaming, allowing the chicken and vegetables to brown beautifully instead of becoming soggy.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients based on your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey; for extra tang, increase the rice vinegar.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the stir-fry to rest for a minute before serving lets the flavors meld together beautifully, giving you that perfect bite every time.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Presentation is key when serving up this delicious dish! A colorful display can make all the difference and elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and color that complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime just before eating brightens up the dish and balances its richness with zesty goodness.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs all those wonderful flavors from the chicken and sauce, making each bite satisfying.
• Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Lightly cooked bok choy offers a crunchy texture and refreshing taste that pairs wonderfully with the bold black pepper chicken.
• Cucumber Salad: A simple salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a light vinaigrette adds a cool contrast to the warm stir-fry.
• Noodles or Rice Noodles: For an alternative base, serve over soft noodles tossed in sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor and satisfaction.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and store it for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken and mushroom mixture in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool entirely before freezing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until warm.

FAQs

Have questions about making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms? Here are some answers!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is tender.

What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is great for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze portions for later use.

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?

The spiciness largely depends on how much black pepper you choose to use. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less pepper and adjust according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this flavorful Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms! It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a bold sauce will surely impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try it out—I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this recipe just like I did!