This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a simple stir-fry bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken pieces are tossed with tender mushrooms in a tasty black pepper sauce.
It’s quick to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze! I love serving it over rice, where the sauce can soak in and create a flavorful bite. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tender texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute. You could also use boneless breast meat if you prefer leaner chicken.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are perfect for this dish, but feel free to swap in shiitake or any other favorite variety. If you want to skip mushrooms entirely, zucchini or eggplant can provide a nice texture!
Bell Peppers: The red and green bell peppers add sweetness and color. If you only have one type of bell pepper, that’s totally fine! You can also use other veggies like snap peas or broccoli for a different taste.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger really bring brightness to this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but the fresh ingredients are worth it for their vibrant flavor.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds a rich umami flavor to the dish. If you don’t have any on hand, a bit of hoisin sauce or soy sauce can work, though the flavor will not be quite the same.
How Can I Cook Chicken Perfectly in This Dish?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is key for a great dish. I recommend using a hot skillet and working in batches if needed. Here are some tips:
- Heat the vegetable oil until shimmering before adding the chicken. This gives the chicken a nice browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary so the chicken can brown, not steam.
- Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Aim for bite-sized so they cook quickly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have beautifully cooked chicken mixed with all those tasty ingredients in no time!
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken thighs. Season the chicken with salt and half of the black pepper. Cook this for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once it’s ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add the diced onion (if you’re using it), minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté everything for about 1-2 minutes, until it smells wonderful and fragrant. This step really brings out those great flavors!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté all the veggies for around 4-5 minutes until they become tender. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you decided to use it), and the rest of the black pepper. Stir everything well to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to heat everything through.
5. Final Touches:
Give everything a quick taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or black pepper if you’d like. Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove the skillet from heat.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. Pair this delicious black pepper chicken with white rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time, as breasts can cook faster.
What if I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a little bit of sugar for sweetness, or simply skip it altogether. The dish will still be delicious without it!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all veggies are tender and flavorful.
How to Store and Reheat 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, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to prevent sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave for a quicker option!
