I love making quick and easy meals, especially when they pack a lot of taste. Today, I’m excited to share two fantastic black pepper chicken recipes that are simple to make at home. These dishes are perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something satisfying without much fuss.
You’ll find options here for a classic version and one with extra vegetables. Both are straightforward to follow and will give you a delicious meal. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Classic Dinner
- 2. Easy Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms: Veggie Packed
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Classic Dinner
This recipe brings you a classic version of black pepper chicken, known for its bold taste. It’s a quick and simple meal that you can have on your table in no time.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Black Pepper Chicken
- Freshly Ground Pepper: This is key! Using fresh black pepper gives the dish its best and most vibrant taste. I always recommend grinding it right before you add it.
- Chicken Prep: Cut your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and quickly, ensuring every piece is tender.
What You Need for Your Chicken Dish
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- Cooked rice for serving
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Make Sauce
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion softens. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper to make your sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir everything together well. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chicken. Serve hot over cooked rice.
📝 Final Note
For a little kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking.
Easy Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms: Veggie Packed
If you like adding more vegetables to your meals, this black pepper chicken with mushrooms is perfect. The mushrooms add a lovely texture and taste to the dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken with Mushrooms
- Mushroom Choice: Button mushrooms or cremini (baby bella) mushrooms work really well here. Slice them evenly so they cook at the same speed as the chicken.
- Cornstarch Slurry: A small amount of cornstarch mixed with water (a slurry) can help thicken the sauce. This makes sure it coats your chicken and mushrooms nicely.
What You Need for This Chicken & Mushroom Recipe
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Cooked rice for serving
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Chicken and Mushrooms
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms soften and release their water. Remove chicken and mushrooms from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Prepare Sauce
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they smell good and the onion is soft. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper.
Step 3: Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your liking, usually about 1 minute.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Remove the pan from the heat. Make sure everything is well coated with the thick sauce. Serve your black pepper chicken with mushrooms immediately over a bed of warm rice.
📝 Final Note
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans along with the mushrooms for more color and nutrition.