When weeknights call for something special but time is short, this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe answers with a resounding 'yes!' This delightful stir-fry brings together succulent chicken, tender mushrooms, and a robust, peppery sauce that’s bursting with savory flavor. It’s incredibly satisfying, remarkably easy to make, and sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.
We all love a dish that delivers on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen, and this one fits the bill perfectly. The bold kick of freshly ground black pepper beautifully complements the earthy umami of the mushrooms and the rich chicken. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
Why You'll Adore This Recipe
This Black Pepper Chicken isn't just another dinner; it's a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Speedy Preparation: From prep to plate, you can have this fantastic meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings.
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of pungent black pepper, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates a depth of flavor that's hard to beat.
- Simple Ingredients: You'll likely have most of these staples in your pantry already, simplifying your grocery run.
- Versatile Pairing: It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a light salad. For another fantastic chicken dish that's great for weeknights, try our Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken.
Key Ingredients for Success
This recipe shines with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here's a quick overview of what you'll need to create this amazing stir-fry:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. They stay juicy and flavorful.
- Mushrooms: Sliced button or cremini mushrooms add a wonderful earthy texture and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Aromatics: Freshly minced garlic and ginger are essential for that irresistible aroma and flavor base.
- The Sauce: A simple mix of chicken broth, soy sauce, and plenty of black pepper forms the heart of this dish.
- Thickener: A cornstarch slurry ensures your sauce is perfectly glossy and coats every piece of chicken and mushroom.
- Garnish: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a mild oniony bite.
A good quality chef's knife will make preparing your chicken and vegetables a breeze!
Step-by-Step Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Let's get cooking! Follow these easy steps for a truly delicious meal.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized pieces. Slice your mushrooms (button or cremini work great here). Mince your fresh garlic and ginger finely. Having everything prepped makes the stir-fry process smooth and quick!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chicken pieces, seasoning them lightly with salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the mushrooms are tender and have developed a nice brown color.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of black pepper (or more, to taste!). Stir everything together to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add this cornstarch mixture to the simmering sauce in the skillet, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with chopped green onions for freshness and color. Serve your irresistible Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms hot over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles. For another Asian-inspired chicken and noodle dish, check out our recipe for Easy Homemade Chicken Lo Mein.
Tips and Variations for Your Stir-Fry
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas along with the mushrooms for extra nutrients and crunch.
- Protein Swap: Not a chicken fan? This recipe works wonderfully with thinly sliced beef, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Spice It Up: For those who love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil can be added to the sauce.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap regular soy sauce for a tamari or gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Enjoy crafting this incredible Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms. It’s a dish that proves delicious, restaurant-quality meals are absolutely achievable in your own kitchen!
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level of this Black Pepper Chicken?
Absolutely! The amount of black pepper can be tailored to your preference. If you enjoy a fiery kick, feel free to add more. For a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount and add to taste.
What are the best serving suggestions for Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even noodles. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or your favorite steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast for thighs. Chicken breast tends to cook faster, so be mindful of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming dry. Cut it into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers of this dish?
Store any leftover Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Balanced
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken and earthy mushrooms coated in a bold, savory black pepper sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Chicken and Vegetables: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Step 2: Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Sear Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender and browned.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the black pepper. This dish is excellent with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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