Description
Savor the bold flavors of black pepper chicken with mushrooms, a culinary journey that blends aromatic spices and tender protein. Rich umami notes dance with peppery warmth, creating a simple yet sophisticated dish that satisfies your craving for comfort and excitement.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables:
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 onion
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch mixture)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Amounts in standard (metric) and US units will be the same.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken by combining sliced pieces with cornstarch, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even coating. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes while preparing remaining ingredients.
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil, creating a sizzling surface. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and thorough internal cooking.
- Transfer chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and crispy texture. In the same skillet, introduce additional oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the skillet, continuing to cook while stirring occasionally until they develop a rich, golden color and tender consistency.
- Prepare sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, sugar, and chicken broth in a separate container, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Pour sauce mixture into the skillet with vegetables, stirring to blend ingredients seamlessly and develop depth of flavor.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the aromatic sauce. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously for approximately 1 minute.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, potentially enhancing spiciness with additional black pepper. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, ensuring optimal temperature and flavor.
Notes
- Cornstarch Coating Trick: Use a light, even cornstarch dusting to help chicken develop a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
- Mushroom Browning Technique: Allow mushrooms to sit undisturbed for a few moments during cooking to achieve beautiful golden caramelization and enhance their rich, earthy flavor.
- Spice Customization: Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, from mild to intensely peppery, ensuring the dish matches individual taste profiles.
- Protein Flexibility: Easily swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create versatile meal options that cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg