Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe

There's nothing quite like the bold, peppery aroma of Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms sizzling in the pan. This dish is a perfect blend of savory, umami-packed flavors with a kick of heat from freshly cracked black pepper. The tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich sauce come together to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something comforting yet full of spice. With just a handful of pantry staples, it quickly became a go-to for weeknight dinners. Plus, it's budget-friendly and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights when you need something quick but satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

Get ready to fall in love with this easy and flavorful dish! Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, spicy, and savory flavors.

First, it’s incredibly quick and simple to make. The entire dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is tight but flavor is non-negotiable.

Second, it’s packed with rich umami goodness. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and mushrooms creates a deep, satisfying flavor that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

Another reason to love this dish? It's completely customizable! You can adjust the spice level, swap the protein, or add extra veggies to suit your taste.

And finally, it's a budget-friendly meal. With a short ingredient list featuring common pantry staples, you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this dish because they stay juicy and tender when cooked. However, if you prefer, you can use chicken breast for a leaner option—just be mindful not to overcook it.

Mushrooms: I love using cremini or shiitake mushrooms because they add a deep, earthy flavor. Button mushrooms will work as well, but they have a milder taste. If you want an extra punch of umami, try adding dried mushrooms rehydrated in warm water.

Black Pepper: The star of the dish! Freshly cracked black pepper gives this dish its signature spicy, fragrant kick. Don’t skimp on this ingredient—use coarse ground pepper for the best results.

Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: These two sauces form the base of the rich, glossy coating for the chicken. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to keep the salt level balanced, while oyster sauce adds a slightly sweet, deep umami note.

Cornstarch: Used to velvet the chicken, cornstarch helps lock in moisture, keeping the chicken incredibly tender. It also slightly thickens the sauce, giving it a silky texture.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a large skillet or wok to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization of the ingredients.

How To Make This Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

Making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is easier than you think! Follow these steps for a flawless, flavor-packed meal.

Start by preparing the chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, a splash of soy sauce, and a bit of oil. This quick marinade helps keep the chicken juicy and gives it a nice sear.

Next, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, and once it’s shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden crust before stirring. Once browned and cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pan, add a little more oil and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown. This step enhances their deep, earthy flavor and ensures they don’t become soggy.

Now, it’s time for the sauce! Add minced garlic, black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of water or chicken broth to the pan. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—this is where the flavor lives!

Finally, return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and coats each piece beautifully. The dish is ready when the mushrooms are tender, and the sauce is glossy and slightly sticky.

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.

Storage Options

Leftovers? No problem! Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms stores well, making it a great meal-prep option.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the dish even more delicious the next day!

To freeze, transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Want to make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.

Need a vegetarian option? Swap the chicken for tofu or seitan and use a bit of mushroom or vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce.

Prefer a different protein? Try this recipe with thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even pork—each variation works beautifully with the black pepper sauce.

Looking to add more veggies? Bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy would be excellent additions to boost nutrition and add color to the dish.

With just a few tweaks, you can make this dish uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your perfect version!

This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s bold, packed with flavor, and so easy to make. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

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