This Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms, all brought to life with a burst of black pepper flavor. It’s quick and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are my favorite for this dish due to their tenderness and flavor. However, you can also use chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms work well for this recipe. If you want to switch things up, try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a different texture and taste.
Vegetable Oil: While I use vegetable oil for frying, you can substitute with canola oil, grapeseed oil, or even sesame oil for a hint of flavor (just use less since sesame oil has a strong taste).
Oyster Sauce: If you’re vegetarian or don’t have oyster sauce, soy sauce or hoisin sauce can work as a substitute. You’ll miss some depth of flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Get the Perfect Stir-Fry?
Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. To get it just right, follow these tips:
- Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding oil to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—step in batches if necessary to allow even cooking.
- Keep the ingredients moving! Stir constantly to ensure everything cooks evenly and to prevent burning.
- Prep all ingredients ahead of time, as this dish cooks quickly and you’ll want everything ready to go.
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’ll be set for a delicious black pepper chicken dish!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 500g (about 1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 200g (about 7 oz) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (optional), sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, to thicken sauce)
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped scallions or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, making it a 25-minute meal from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to quickly sear the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to brown and are nearly cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onions:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and toss in the sliced onions. Cook them until they soften, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it cooks quickly!
5. Cook the Mushrooms and Bell Pepper:
Now, add the sliced mushrooms (and bell pepper if you’re using it) to the mix. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the mushrooms and vegetables. Stir everything to combine.
7. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and the freshly ground black pepper. This will give your dish a rich flavor!
8. Pour in the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and mushrooms. Stir well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
9. Thicken the Sauce:
If you like a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry now. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
10. Season to Taste:
Take a moment to taste the dish. Add salt or more black pepper if needed to make the flavors pop!
11. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, garnish your black pepper chicken with chopped scallions or parsley if you like. Serve it hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, easy black pepper chicken with mushrooms!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Bone-in chicken usually takes longer to cook, so simmer it a bit longer (about 10-15 extra minutes) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce with a hint of sugar for sweetness. It might alter the taste slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also sauté some sliced jalapeños or stir in sriracha at the end for an extra heat boost!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid uneven heating.
