Savory Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Black Pepper Chicken Mushrooms – a heartwarming stir fry that effortlessly combines juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and a peppery kick in a luscious sauce. This recipe is a true gem for busy weeknights when you crave the satisfaction of takeout, right in the comfort of your own home.

As someone who’s always on the lookout for creative ways to use up ingredients, I stumbled upon this delightful dish while clearing out my fridge. Little did I know that this experimental stir fry would win over my family’s hearts, especially with the mushrooms stealing the show by soaking up all the goodness of that glossy sauce. It’s a nostalgic reminder of cozy family dinners where everyone eagerly reaches for extra mushrooms before even finishing the chicken.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this Black Pepper Chicken Mushrooms recipe promises a delightful experience. The versatile nature of this dish allows for easy swaps and additions to suit your preferences, making it a go-to favorite that will leave everyone at the table asking for more. So, grab your wok and get ready to create a meal that’s not just delicious but also a cherished memory in the making.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir fry comes together in minutes but tastes like a special treat.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different types of mushrooms, protein swaps, and vegetable additions to suit your tastes and what’s in season.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both adults and kids, the dish offers a balanced and flavorful meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Make Ahead: Can be prepped as a freezer meal for convenient cooking on busy days, making it a great option for meal planning.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to make but tastes like a special treat.
• Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and peppery bite creates a comforting and flavorful dish.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to personal preferences or dietary needs with ingredient substitutions like using chicken thighs or tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Leftover Friendly: Can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated without compromising on taste and texture.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at potlucks and gatherings, loved by both adults and kids for its rich flavors that are not too spicy.
• Freezer Meal Option: Can be prepped ahead as a freezer meal for a quick and convenient dinner option.
• Pairs Well: Delicious served over rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or lettuce cups, offering versatility in serving options.
• Classic and Time-Tested: A classic Chinese American dish with mushrooms for added depth of flavor, prepared using a quick stir-fry method.

Ingredients for Savory Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Main

• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

Pro Tips for Savory Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

To make the Black Pepper Chicken Mushrooms recipe even more flavorful, consider marinating the sliced chicken strips in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This step will infuse the chicken with more umami and depth of flavor.

For a bolder taste, toast whole black peppercorns in a dry pan until fragrant, then crush them roughly with a mortar and pestle before adding them to the dish. This will enhance the peppery kick in the stir fry and provide a more robust flavor profile.

When sautéing the mushrooms and onions, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the vegetables instead of sautéing them, ensuring they get nicely caramelized and develop a deep, rich flavor.

How to Make Savory Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare and season chicken

In a bowl, mix sliced chicken breasts with cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms for about 5 minutes until tender and slightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add aromatics and sauce

Combine minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water in the pan. Mix well and simmer gently.

Step 5: Finish cooking

Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken and any juices back to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

Step 6: Season and serve

Adjust seasoning with more ground black pepper if necessary. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the delicious black pepper chicken mushrooms, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm the dish in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce and prevent the chicken from drying out. It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the mushrooms may lose their texture upon thawing.

To enhance the dish, consider using boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, tamari as a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, or portobello mushrooms thinly sliced. If oyster sauce is unavailable, you can substitute it with an extra teaspoon of soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar. This versatile dish can be served over jasmine or basmati rice, cauliflower rice, lettuce cups, or tossed with noodles for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Chinese American classic that is sure to be a hit at gatherings and loved by all ages.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different protein, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari. In the absence of oyster sauce, you can substitute with an additional teaspoon of soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar for a similar umami flavor profile.

For a variation in mushroom selection, consider using portobello mushrooms thinly sliced. If you have different mushrooms on hand, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, feel free to use those based on what’s in season or your preference. In terms of vegetable additions, sugar snap peas, asparagus, diced carrots, or bell peppers can be incorporated for added texture and color variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful black pepper chicken mushrooms dish over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a classic and satisfying meal. For a lighter twist, try spooning the stir fry into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing and low-carb option. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness that complements the savory flavors of the dish perfectly.

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a DIY stir fry bowl station where guests can customize their own bowls with the black pepper chicken mushrooms, steamed rice or noodles, and an array of colorful veggies like sugar snap peas, bell peppers, and asparagus. Provide different sauces like soy sauce, sriracha, and hoisin to let everyone personalize their dish to their liking. This versatile dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering and will have everyone coming back for seconds!

FAQs for Savory Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs can be sliced and substituted for extra juiciness and rich flavor.

How can I adjust the sauce consistency if it’s too thin?

Allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer, or add a small extra slurry of cornstarch mixed with water if needed.

Is this dish spicy with the black pepper?

It features a peppery bite from black pepper, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount to taste.

Can I omit the oyster sauce or substitute it with something else?

Oyster sauce adds depth and savoriness, but can be omitted or swapped for additional soy sauce if unavailable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for Black Pepper Chicken Mushrooms is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to become a staple in your home kitchen. The savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and peppery sauce come together beautifully for a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress at a potluck, this recipe has you covered.

Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to swap in different types of mushrooms, protein options, or even add in extra veggies for a colorful twist. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for any occasion.

I hope you give this Black Pepper Chicken Mushrooms recipe a try and that it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking!

Savory Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and a peppery bite come together in this comforting Black Pepper Chicken Mushrooms stir fry – a family favorite with a glossy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time15 min

Total Time30 min

CuisineAsian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (Serves 4)

Ingredients

Main

• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare and season chicken: In a bowl, mix sliced chicken breasts with cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Sear chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms for about 5 minutes until tender and slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
4. Add aromatics and sauce: Combine minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water in the pan. Mix well and simmer gently.
5. Finish cooking: Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken and any juices back to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
6. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with more ground black pepper if necessary. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.