This Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a quick and tasty dish! It’s made with tender chicken pieces, fresh mushrooms, and a kick of black pepper. Yum!
I love how the pepper brings a nice zing to the chicken. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Just toss everything in the pan, and you’re good to go! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken breast or thigh is great for this dish. If you need a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it towards the end to warm it up without overcooking.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but feel free to substitute with shiitake or portobello for a deeper flavor. If you don’t have mushrooms, zucchini or bell peppers make a tasty choice too!
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice preference. For a milder option, use white pepper instead.
Oyster Sauce: This ingredient adds a unique taste, but it’s optional. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap it with hoisin sauce or just a bit more soy sauce.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but it’s all about timing and temperature. Here’s how to make sure your chicken is tender and juicy:
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Cook on medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps achieve that beautiful browning!
- Stir occasionally to ensure all sides are cooked, and look for the chicken to turn from pink to white.
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
By following these simple tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken in your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Vegetables:
- 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 100 ml (about 1/3 cup) chicken broth or water
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander or spring onion, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it super quick and convenient! In total, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Pan:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give the chicken a good sear!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent. This makes the base of your dish flavorful!
3. Add the Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You just want to fragrant garlic aroma filling your kitchen!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Next, toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken turns white and is nearly cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add the Mushrooms:
Now it’s time for the mushrooms! Toss them in and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they soften nicely.
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), chicken broth or water, sugar, and the ground black pepper. Give everything a good mix to combine the flavors.
7. Let it Simmer:
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit and ensures the chicken is fully cooked through. Yum!
8. Taste and Adjust:
Don’t forget to taste your dish! Adjust the salt or pepper according to your preference. Adjusting the spices enhances the flavor to your liking!
9. Garnish:
When you’re done cooking, remove the pan from heat. If you’d like, garnish with some fresh coriander or chopped spring onion for a lovely touch!
10. Serve:
Finally, serve your hot Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Bon appétit! This dish is sure to become a favorite in your home!
FAQ for Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting if you’re short on time. Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love spice, feel free to add more freshly ground black pepper or a splash of chili sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also add sliced fresh chilies or crushed red pepper flakes for some extra heat!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, just reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
