Description
Garlic-infused black pepper chicken with mushrooms delivers a bold flavor profile from Chinese culinary traditions. Seared chicken thighs complement earthy mushrooms, creating a delicious meal you can savor with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups (200g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil
- 3 tbsps soy sauce (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced or grated
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper (for marinade)
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Marinate: Blend chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let ingredients harmonize for 10-15 minutes at ambient temperature.
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and chicken broth into a smooth, integrated liquid.
- Chicken Searing: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce marinated chicken, cooking until exterior transforms golden and interior reaches complete doneness, approximately 5-6 minutes. Reserve chicken on a separate plate.
- Vegetable Symphony: Without cleansing skillet, add fresh oil and sauté mushrooms until moisture dissipates and edges caramelize. Introduce onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper, creating an aromatic vegetable landscape.
- Final Integration: Reincorporate chicken into vegetable mixture. Pour prepared sauce, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating. Allow sauce to reduce and elegantly embrace ingredients.
- Presentation: Garnish with freshly sliced green onions. Serve atop steamed rice or delicate noodles, showcasing a culinary composition of balanced flavors and textures.
Notes
- Marinate Strategically: Let chicken sit at room temperature during marination to ensure even flavor absorption and tender meat texture.
- Sear with Precision: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a golden, crispy chicken exterior without steaming the meat.
- Manage Moisture Carefully: Pat mushrooms dry before sautéing to prevent excess liquid and guarantee proper caramelization and rich umami flavor.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version, or use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative that maintains the dish’s savory profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg