I really enjoy cooking dishes that are full of flavor but don’t take a lot of time. Today, I’m excited to share two amazing black pepper chicken recipes with you. These are perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting and delicious.
Whether you like your black pepper chicken plain and simple or with the added goodness of mushrooms, I have you covered. These recipes are straightforward to make and deliver big on taste. Let’s get cooking!
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Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Quick Meals
This classic black pepper chicken recipe is a staple for a reason. It’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a fantastic taste every time. You will love how easy it is to make this popular dish at home.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Black Pepper Chicken
- Fresh Black Pepper: Always use freshly ground black pepper. It makes a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
- Chicken Choice: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for this as they stay juicy. Chicken breast also works well if cut into similar-sized pieces.
- High Heat Cooking: Cook the chicken quickly over medium-high heat to get a nice sear and keep it tender.
What You Need for Black Pepper Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1-2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Sauce
Cut your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Set this sauce aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Finish with Sauce and Pepper
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly ground black pepper. Add more pepper if you like a stronger taste.
Step 4: Serve
Serve your easy black pepper chicken hot over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions if you wish. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal!
📝 Final Note on Black Pepper Chicken
This dish is best served immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Easy Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe for Dinner
If you like a little extra something in your black pepper chicken, this version with mushrooms is perfect. The mushrooms add a lovely earthy depth that complements the peppery sauce. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference in your black pepper chicken meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
- Mushroom Variety: Cremini or button mushrooms work very well here. Slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Cooking Mushrooms: Cook mushrooms first to release their water before adding chicken. This helps them get a better texture.
- Adjust Pepper: The mushrooms can absorb some of the sauce’s flavor. You might want to add a little extra black pepper at the end to keep that bold taste.
What You Need for Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1-2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
Step 1: Prep Chicken, Mushrooms, and Sauce
Cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces and slice the mushrooms. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Set this sauce mixture aside.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms and Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring until they release their water and start to brown. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook Chicken and Combine
Add a little more oil if needed to the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Return the cooked mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken.
Step 4: Finish with Sauce and Pepper
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and mushrooms. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats everything, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly ground black pepper. Adjust pepper to your taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve this tasty black pepper chicken with mushrooms hot over steamed rice. You can sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. I hope you enjoy this hearty dish!
📝 Final Note on Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms
This dish is best fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.