Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a flavorful stir-fry dish that combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and bold black pepper in a delicious, savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, offering a restaurant-style dish that pairs well with rice or noodles. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese takeout or just looking for a simple yet delicious home-cooked meal, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into thin strips
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced
1 ½ cups mushrooms (button, shiitake, or cremini), sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
2 green onions, chopped

For the Black Pepper Sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color)
½ cup chicken broth (or water)
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp white pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms ?

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken strips with soy sauce and cornstarch.
Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, black pepper, and white pepper.
Stir well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the mushrooms and bell pepper, and stir-fry for another 3 minutes until softened.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
Pour the prepared black pepper sauce over the ingredients and mix well.
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
Toss in the green onions and stir for another minute.

Variations

Spicier Version: Add red chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies for extra heat.
Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth.
Extra Saucy: Double the sauce ingredients for a more flavorful dish.
Nutty Crunch: Add cashews or peanuts for extra texture.

Cooking Notes

Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor—it makes a huge difference!
Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
Use a hot wok or pan for a perfect stir-fry texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice.
Pair with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli.
Enjoy with noodles for a delicious twist.

Helpful Tips

Cut chicken into thin strips for quicker cooking.
Use different mushroom varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for deeper flavor.
Adjust the black pepper level according to your spice preference.

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FAQs

1. Can I use beef instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef or shrimp.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance to save time.

4. What type of mushrooms work best?

Button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms are great choices.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is an easy, flavorful stir-fry perfect for any meal. With its bold black pepper sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms, this dish is guaranteed to impress! Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home. 🍽️🔥