Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms 🍗🍄

---

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus extra for finishing)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake, or button)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (for a richer sauce)
• 1–2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust for desired heat)
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onion and mushrooms until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Sauce: Stir in the garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water (or chicken broth). Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce and heat through, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Boost the Black Pepper: Sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper over the dish, adjusting to taste for a bold, peppery kick.
7. Serve: Garnish with green onions (if using) and serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for Black Pepper Flavor:

• Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma and heat.
• For extra depth, toast whole black peppercorns lightly in a dry pan before grinding.
• If you want a spicier dish, mix in a pinch of white pepper or crushed red pepper flakes with the black pepper.

---

This version keeps your recipe intact but emphasizes the black pepper for a more pronounced flavor. If you’d like further tweaks (e.g., spicier, creamier, or with additional ingredients like bell peppers), let me know! Would you like me to search for similar recipes on X or the web to compare or add inspiration?