Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Savory, bold, and packed with colorful vegetables, Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a quick stir-fry recipe that delivers restaurant-style flavor right at home. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with earthy mushrooms, crisp bell peppers, and fragrant garlic, then coated in a rich black pepper sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and spice. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights because it comes together in under 30 minutes while still tasting hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

Begin by seasoning the chicken lightly with salt and half of the black pepper. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, and the remaining black pepper until smooth.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and onions for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and slightly browned. Add the red and green bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2 minutes to keep them slightly crisp.

Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully. Finish with sesame oil for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Garnish with sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of black pepper for a bold finish.

Tips

• Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
• Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best taste.
• Add broccoli or snap peas for more vegetables.
• Adjust the pepper level to make it milder or spicier.