If you’re searching for a quick and delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, look no further than this delightful Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms. This easy 25-minute dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a perfect balance of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a bold pepper sauce that will awaken your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just for yourself, this dish promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite.

Not only is this recipe fast and straightforward, but it also brings an enticing array of flavors to the table. With its savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and the warmth of black pepper, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a truly adaptable option for any palate. Let’s dive deeper into why this recipe should be your next go-to dinner option!

Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe saves you time without sacrificing taste.
Flavor Packed: The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and oyster sauce makes for a rich, savory dish.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish is nutritious and balanced.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies to make it your own!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is great for batch cooking and storing for later.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing your kitchen and workspace before cooking can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Start by gathering all ingredients on your kitchen counter. It’s essential to have the chicken, mushrooms, and spices ready before you start to avoid any chaos during cooking.

For tools, use a sharp knife for slicing the chicken and vegetables, a large skillet or wok for stir-frying, and a cutting board. If you have a meat mallet, you might want to use it to pound the chicken slightly for even cooking. Make sure you have a measuring cup for the liquids and a spatula for stirring. Having these items within reach will make your cooking experience seamless.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by prepping the chicken. In a medium-sized bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken breasts with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This coating will not only improve the flavor but also give the chicken a beautiful crispy texture when cooked. It’s crucial to make sure the chicken is evenly coated; this step enhances the overall dish immensely.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Next, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the chicken. Sauté for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and entirely cooked through. This results in a flavorful sear. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender. At this point, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Garlic is a powerful flavor enhancer, and cooking it until fragrant will elevate the dish further.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Now it’s time to create the sauce. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water or chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine all the flavors and bring to a gentle simmer. This cooking step melds the ingredients, making it a delightful sauce that will coat the chicken nicely.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together so the chicken is well-coated in the sauce. Allow it to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This final step ensures the chicken absorbs all the flavors from the sauce and vegetables. Once everything is heated through, it’s ready to be served!

Variations

Protein: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or any favorite vegetable.
Spices: Adjust the quantity of black pepper for spice tolerance or add some chili flakes for an extra kick.

Cooking Notes

For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check for gluten-free oyster sauce.
When slicing chicken, make sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
This dish can be doubled or halved based on servings required, making it perfect for families or meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Black Pepper Chicken over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal.
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds to enhance the visual appeal.

Tips

Prep your ingredients ahead of time; a well-organized kitchen leads to a smoother cooking process.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding soy sauce or pepper to your liking.
Pair with a light salad or stir-fried vegetables to round out the meal.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420
Protein: 36g
Sodium: 850mg

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance. Just reheat and add the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you prefer not to use oyster sauce, consider hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a sweetener for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a kick from the black pepper, but you can control the spice level by adjusting the amount used.

Can I freeze leftover Black Pepper Chicken?

Yes, this dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before consuming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is not just a delicious dinner option but also a flexible and quick recipe that’s ideal for anyone on the go. With its robust flavors and the ability to customize, this meal can fit various tastes and preferences. Whether serving it over rice or noodles, it guarantees satisfaction with every bite. We hope you give this recipe a try and make it part of your weekly dinner rotation. Don’t forget to experiment with ingredients and share your variations in the comments below!