This Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms brings fantastic flavors to your table. The juicy chicken and tender mushrooms are simply seasoned with black pepper, making it a warm and cozy dish!
You can whip this up in no time, perfect for busy nights when you still want something tasty. I like to serve it over rice; it’s a delicious way to soak up all the yummy sauce! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts work too. You can also substitute with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist!
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are great choices here because they add a nice earthiness. No mushrooms? Try bell peppers or zucchini; they both work well in this dish.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is the best to get that sharp kick of flavor. If you’re not a fan of pepper, you can lightening the amount or use a mild seasoning blend.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness if you’re watching your sodium intake. Coconut aminos can be a great gluten-free alternative.
Oyster Sauce: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can swap this out with a mushroom-based soy sauce or just leave it out. It’s still delicious without it!
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly in a Stir-Fry?
Cooking chicken in a stir-fry might seem tricky, but it’s all about technique! Start by ensuring your chicken is dry and has a light seasoning. This helps it brown nicely.
- Heat your skillet or wok before adding oil; this prevents sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if cooking more chicken, do it in batches. This keeps the heat high and ensures a good sear!
- Stir constantly and don’t be afraid to let it sit a minute for that golden color.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time!
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 100 ml (about ½ cup) chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking, making a total of about 25 minutes to get this delightful meal on the table. Quick and easy for those busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, pat your chicken pieces dry using a paper towel. This helps them sear better! Season the chicken lightly with salt and half of the black pepper. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Stir-Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, stirring well until the onions become fragrant and translucent, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them until they release their moisture and become tender, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally!
5. Bring It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sugar, chicken broth, and the rest of the black pepper. Stir everything together until combined.
6. Simmer the Dish:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes so that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, now’s the time to add your cornstarch slurry. Stir it into the dish and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens up a bit.
8. Final Adjustments:
Before serving, taste your dish! Add salt or more black pepper if you think it needs a little extra seasoning.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your Easy Black Pepper Chicken with sliced green onions or parsley for that fresh pop. Serve it hot with steamed rice or noodles and savor the deliciousness!
Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted for chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that breasts can dry out quicker, so be careful not to overcook them. Aim for the same cooking time of about 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can either omit it or use a bit more soy sauce for flavor. A touch of hoisin sauce can also work as a substitute to add a hint of sweetness and depth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Most grocery stores carry gluten-free alternatives now!
