Description
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a savory and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with earthy mushrooms in a rich, peppery sauce. This dish is easy to prepare yet packed with bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The robust black pepper complements the umami-rich mushrooms and tender chicken for a comforting meal that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper (optional), sliced
- 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Fresh green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, perfect for this stir-fry dish.
- Mushrooms: Add a meaty texture and enhance the umami flavor. Cremini or shiitake mushrooms work best, but button mushrooms are a good alternative.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is key to achieving the bold, spicy flavor in this dish.
- Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These provide the savory, salty base for the sauce.
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and release their juices.
Finish the Dish:
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the water or chicken broth and stir well. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more black pepper or soy sauce if needed.
- Add Sesame Oil: Stir in sesame oil for a nutty finish, if desired.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 22g