Introduction
This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a quick, flavorful stir-fry that combines tender slices of chicken with earthy mushrooms, crisp bell peppers, and a bold black pepper sauce. The dish balances savory, slightly sweet, and peppery flavors, making it a satisfying weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Perfect served over steamed rice or noodles, this recipe highlights the aromatic depth of black pepper—not just as a seasoning, but as the star ingredient. The mushrooms add an umami-rich element, while the soy-oyster sauce mixture ties everything together with a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
Recipe: Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss chicken slices with cornstarch, salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, stir-frying for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Push vegetables to the side and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove everything from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in the same pan.
- Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Combine & Sauce
- Return cooked vegetables to the pan.
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
- Stir in chopped green onions and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Serve Hot
- Enjoy over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
- Garnish with extra black pepper or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
✔ Slice chicken thinly for quick, even cooking.
✔ Use high heat to achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
✔ Adjust black pepper to taste—add more for extra heat.
✔ Substitute shiitake mushrooms for deeper umami flavor.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add 1 tsp chili flakes or sliced red chilies.
- Extra veggies: Toss in snow peas or broccoli.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Conclusion
This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy nights. The peppery kick, tender chicken, and savory sauce make it a standout meal, while the mushrooms add a satisfying depth.
Simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress, this stir-fry is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, aromatic flavors. Serve it with rice or noodles, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in minutes!
#StirFry #QuickDinner #PepperyFlavor 🍗🍄