Description
Succulent black pepper chicken with mushrooms delivers a flavor explosion from Chinese culinary traditions. Spicy and savory notes blend perfectly, creating a memorable dining experience for home cooks craving authentic Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Coating:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 8 ounces (226 g) mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Oil:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by thoroughly coating sliced pieces with cornstarch, salt, and finely ground black pepper, ensuring an even and light dusting that will create a delicate crispy exterior.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, around 375°F. Carefully stir-fry the seasoned chicken until golden brown and slightly crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until they become slightly translucent and tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, continuing to cook until mushrooms release their moisture and become lightly caramelized.
- Create a robust sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and an additional layer of freshly cracked black pepper, blending flavors that will enhance the dish’s overall complexity.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetable mixture, then gently reintroduce the cooked chicken into the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the ingredients to meld and heat uniformly for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions on top for a bright, sharp contrast. Serve immediately over steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Coating chicken with cornstarch creates a delicate, crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture and prevents sticking during stir-frying.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Choose bone-in or boneless chicken depending on preference, but ensure consistent slice thickness for even cooking and tender meat.
- If avoiding soy sauce, substitute with coconut aminos for a gluten-free and lower-sodium alternative that maintains a similar umami depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg