Black Pepper Chicken & Mushroom Delight

$- 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced - 200g mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth) - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken) - 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked jasmine rice or steamed noodles (for serving) If you need to change some ingredients, here are good swaps: - Use tofu for a plant-based option instead of chicken. - Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free dish. - Use vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce to keep it vegan. Want to make it even better? Try these: - Add bell peppers for more color and crunch. - Use ginger for a fresh, spicy kick. - Top with sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and nice texture. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 2. Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions look clear and smell good, about 2-3 minutes. 3. Turn up the heat to high. Then, add the sliced chicken to the pan. Stir-fry until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. 4. After the chicken is done, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms soften. 5. Now, sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the mix. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce if you want that extra depth. Stir well to blend all the flavors. 6. Next, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens, which takes about 1-2 minutes. You can adjust the seasoning with more black pepper if you like it spicier. 7. Finally, take it off the heat. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot over jasmine rice or steamed noodles. - Cut the chicken and mushrooms into even pieces for quick cooking. - Make sure the pan is hot before adding the ingredients. This helps prevent sticking. - Stir constantly to cook everything evenly and avoid burning. - Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Mushrooms should be tender but not mushy; they typically need 3-4 minutes. - Keep an eye on the color; golden brown means it's ready! You can easily change the spice level in your Black Pepper Chicken and Mushrooms. If you like it spicy, add more freshly ground black pepper. Start with one tablespoon, then taste it. If it needs more heat, add a bit more. For mild flavors, reduce the black pepper to half a tablespoon. Always remember, you can add more, but you cannot take it out! Meal prep can save you time and make cooking easier. Slice the chicken and mushrooms ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. You can also chop the onion and garlic in advance. This way, when it’s time to cook, you just need to toss everything in the pan. Meal prep helps you enjoy this dish on busy days. To make juicy chicken, cook it over high heat. This helps seal in the juices. Stir-fry the chicken until it turns golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook in batches. This keeps the heat up and helps the chicken cook evenly. Always let the chicken rest for a minute before serving. This keeps it tender and juicy. Pro Tips Choose the Right Mushrooms: Using shiitake mushrooms adds a rich umami flavor to the dish. However, button mushrooms work well too for a milder taste. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken slices in soy sauce and black pepper for 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper according to your taste. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and spring onions will enhance the overall flavor and aroma of your dish. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try using thinly sliced beef or pork. Tofu works great for a plant-based choice. Each protein brings a unique texture and taste. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. Beef may need more heat, while tofu cooks faster. If you want a full vegetarian dish, focus on mushrooms. Use a mix of shiitake, button, or portobello. Portobello adds a nice, meaty flavor. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. Soy sauce is a classic choice, but you can change it up. Try adding hoisin sauce for sweetness. A splash of sesame oil gives a nutty taste. For more heat, add chili sauce or sriracha. Each sauce will change the dish's flavor profile. Be bold and experiment to find your favorite combo. After enjoying Black Pepper Chicken and Mushrooms, let leftovers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge. This dish stays fresh for about three days. To reheat, you can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water. Heat over low until warm. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in 30-second bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. You can freeze this dish for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep well for about two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken or mushrooms. Just remember to thaw them first. Thawing helps the food cook evenly. If you skip this step, the chicken might cook unevenly. The mushrooms may also release extra water when cooked. This could make the dish too watery. Serve Black Pepper Chicken and Mushrooms over jasmine rice or steamed noodles. These sides soak up the sauce well. You could also add a simple salad or steamed vegetables. Broccoli or green beans pair nicely. Their crunch balances the dish's soft textures. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist. This blog post covered everything you need for Black Pepper Chicken and Mushrooms. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for a great meal. You learned how to adjust flavors, choose variations, and store your leftovers too. With these insights, you can create a dish that's tasty and suits your needs. Cooking can be fun and simple. Enjoy making this dish and feel confident in the kitchen!$

Black Pepper Chicken & Mushroom Delight

A savory stir-fry featuring tender chicken and mushrooms, seasoned with black pepper and served over rice or noodles.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

500 g chicken breast, thinly sliced
200 g mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 unit onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 unit spring onions, chopped
to taste unit cooked jasmine rice or steamed noodles

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Increase the heat to high, then add the sliced chicken to the pan. Stir-fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the mixture, and pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more black pepper if desired.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped spring onions, and serve immediately over jasmine rice or steamed noodles.

Notes

Adjust black pepper to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword black pepper, chicken, mushrooms, stir-fry