Name: Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the protein base of the dish, providing flavor and texture.; 1 tbsp soy sauce: This adds umami and a touch of saltiness to the chicken marinade.; 1 tsp cornstarch: Essential for creating a velvety texture and helping the sauce adhere to the chicken.; ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a warm heat that can be adjusted based on personal preference.; ½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the marinade.; 2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings depth and seasoning to the overall flavor profile.; 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet umami flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes.; 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar): Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.; ½ tsp sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce.; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the dish’s signature peppery flavor.; ½ cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and helps create a sauce with the right consistency.; 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening): Thickens the sauce for a perfect cling to the chicken and vegetables.; 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for frying and adds a clean flavor.; 3 cloves garlic (minced): Releases a pungent aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.; 1-inch piece of ginger (grated): Adds warmth and complexity with its zesty note.; 1 medium onion (sliced): Provides a sweet and savory base that complements the other ingredients.; 1 ½ cups mushrooms (sliced): Choose shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms; they add earthiness and texture.; ½ red bell pepper (sliced, optional for color): Introduces sweetness and a vibrant hue.; ½ green bell pepper (sliced, optional for color): Adds a crunchy texture and additional color.; 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh flavor and color.; Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Provides a decorative finish and nutty flavor.

Description

Enjoy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms: a savory, spicy stir-fry with tender chicken, mushrooms, and bold black pepper sauce. A delicious main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the protein base of the dish, providing flavor and texture.
1 tbsp soy sauce: This adds umami and a touch of saltiness to the chicken marinade.
1 tsp cornstarch: Essential for creating a velvety texture and helping the sauce adhere to the chicken.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a warm heat that can be adjusted based on personal preference.
½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the marinade.

For the sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings depth and seasoning to the overall flavor profile.
1 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet umami flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes.
1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar): Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
½ tsp sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce.
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the dish’s signature peppery flavor.
½ cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and helps create a sauce with the right consistency.
1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening): Thickens the sauce for a perfect cling to the chicken and vegetables.

For the stir-fry:

2 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for frying and adds a clean flavor.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Releases a pungent aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
1-inch piece of ginger (grated): Adds warmth and complexity with its zesty note.
1 medium onion (sliced): Provides a sweet and savory base that complements the other ingredients.
1 ½ cups mushrooms (sliced): Choose shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms; they add earthiness and texture.
½ red bell pepper (sliced, optional for color): Introduces sweetness and a vibrant hue.
½ green bell pepper (sliced, optional for color): Adds a crunchy texture and additional color.
2 green onions (chopped, for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh flavor and color.
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Provides a decorative finish and nutty flavor.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Let the mixture marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. The cornstarch will create a velvety texture, and help the sauce cling to the chicken.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar), ½ tsp sesame oil, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening). Set this mixture aside; it will act as the flavorful black pepper sauce that brings everything together.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Sauté the 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1-inch piece of grated ginger, and 1 medium sliced onion for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the 1 ½ cups of sliced mushrooms and the optional ½ red and ½ green bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared black pepper sauce and mix well, ensuring the sauce coats all the ingredients. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) on top. Serve the flavorful Black Pepper Chicken hot, over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!