Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Black pepper chicken with mushrooms is a dish that has stood the test of time, captivating taste buds around the world with its bold, aromatic flavors. This irresistible combination of tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, simmered in a rich, peppery sauce, is a true culinary masterpiece that’s sure to delight your senses.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive centerpiece for a special occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a recipe that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this black pepper chicken with mushrooms recipe apart is its incredible depth of flavor. The blend of aromatic spices, sautéed mushrooms, and tender chicken creates a harmonious symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds singing. The contrast of the savory chicken, the earthy mushrooms, and the bold black pepper is simply divine.
Furthermore, this dish is incredibly accessible, with most of the ingredients being readily available in your local grocery store or pantry. And the best part? It’s a make-ahead wonder, meaning you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms ❓
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt to taste
The beauty of this black pepper chicken with mushrooms is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a savory, peppery sauce creates a flavor profile that has made this type of dish perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
• Step 3: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, black pepper, chicken broth, and cornstarch until well combined. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken and mushrooms.
• Step 5: Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
• Step 6: Serve the black pepper chicken with mushrooms hot, over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional Chinese-style black pepper chicken dishes, which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this black pepper chicken with mushrooms recipe saves you 10 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 760mg
These black pepper chicken with mushrooms provide approximately 58% of your daily protein requirements and 30% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the butter or replace it with a plant-based oil or margarine to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Added protein: Toss in extra sliced mushrooms or diced tofu to boost the protein content of the dish.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the black pepper chicken with mushrooms.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal
• Complement the dish with a side of vegetable fried rice or lo mein noodles
• For a family-style feast, serve the black pepper chicken with mushrooms alongside egg rolls, potstickers, or spring rolls
• Create an Asian-inspired platter with the black pepper chicken, sticky rice, and fresh fruit for a refreshing dessert
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking the chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly until it’s no longer pink in the center, to ensure food safety and a tender, juicy texture.
• Forgetting to deglaze the pan: Don’t forget to deglaze the pan with the broth and soy sauce mixture, as this helps to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Oversimplifying the sauce: Resist the temptation to skip the cornstarch, as it helps to thicken the sauce and create a velvety, cling-to-the-chicken texture.
• Neglecting to season properly: Be sure to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed to balance the flavors.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These black pepper chicken with mushrooms retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the sauce-thickening step, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a skillet or baking dish and heat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This black pepper chicken with mushrooms is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire dish up to the sauce-thickening step, then let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, simply thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I substitute the mushrooms with something else?
Yes, you can definitely substitute the mushrooms with other vegetables if desired. Some great options include diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or even sliced zucchini. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the vegetable you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
To make this black pepper chicken with mushrooms suitable for a low-carb or keto diet, you can serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of cornstarch in the sauce to lower the carbohydrate content further.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is not thickening to your desired consistency, you can try a few troubleshooting steps. First, make sure to mix the cornstarch with the broth and soy sauce thoroughly before adding it to the skillet. If the sauce is still too thin, you can mix an additional 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches the desired thickness.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This black pepper chicken with mushrooms is highly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding sliced water chestnuts, diced bell peppers, or even some diced pineapple for a sweet-and-sour twist. You can also toss in some chopped scallions or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
These black pepper chicken with mushrooms represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive centerpiece for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their bold, savory flavors and satisfying textures. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these black pepper chicken with mushrooms demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So why not give this recipe a try and experience the delightful fusion of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a peppery, umami-rich sauce for yourself?
Print
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
• Step 3: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, black pepper, chicken broth, and cornstarch until well combined. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken and mushrooms.
• Step 5: Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
• Step 6: Serve the black pepper chicken with mushrooms hot, over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
Keywords: Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
