Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for added flavor and moisture. However, chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer a leaner option.

Mushrooms: Fresh button or cremini mushrooms are perfect for this dish, but if you can’t find them, feel free to use shiitake or even canned mushrooms in a pinch.

Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is key to the flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. For milder heat, try white pepper instead.

Sauces: Soy sauce adds depth, while oyster sauce gives richness. If you’re avoiding oyster sauce, you can replace it with a bit more soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.

How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?

Getting perfectly cooked chicken is crucial for this dish. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great every time:

• **Cut Evenly:** Make sure your chicken pieces are uniform in size so they cook at the same rate.
• **Don’t Crowd the Pan:** If you’re making a large batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming and ensure browning.
• **High Heat:** Use medium-high heat for a nice sear, which adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
• **Use a Thermometer:** Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Dish:

• 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 200g (7 oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp corn starch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In just about 30-35 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready for the table!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are chopped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smooth and quick!

2. Heat the Oil:

In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Let it get hot enough so that a drop of water sizzles when added.

3. Sauté the Onions:

Add the sliced onions to the heated skillet. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they start to soften and become translucent.

4. Add Garlic:

Throw in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

5. Cook the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir frequently, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

6. Incorporate Mushrooms:

Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for another 3-4 minutes until they become tender and release their moisture.

7. Add Flavor:

Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together well!

8. Add Broth and Simmer:

Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will help meld all the flavors together.

9. Thicken the Sauce:

Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly while constantly stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about a minute.

10. Final Seasoning:

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt or more black pepper as desired. Every palate is different, so make it just right for you!

11. Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or parsley if you like. Serve this delicious black pepper chicken hot, alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make black pepper chicken with mushrooms! It’s sure to be a favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep them moist!

What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce or want a vegetarian option, you can use more soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, hoisin sauce works in a pinch for a similar flavor profile.

How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

You can easily convert this recipe into a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the protein you choose!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy it as a quick meal during the week!