If you love bold, comforting flavors but want a dish that’s quick and effortless to whip up, this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. It perfectly balances the spicy warmth of freshly ground black pepper with the earthy richness of tender mushrooms and juicy chicken. The sauce is lightly savory, thickened just enough to coat every bite, making it a soul-satisfying meal that feels both homey and a little special. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends, this dish brings all the right flavors to your table effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe is simple but essential. From the vibrant black pepper that spices everything up, to the hearty mushrooms that add texture and umami, every element plays its part in creating a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Vegetable oil: For a neutral base that lets the other flavors shine without overpowering them.
- Chicken breast, boneless and skinless: Lean and tender, it absorbs the peppery sauce beautifully.
- Black pepper: The star seasoning that delivers a punch of warmth and spice.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of savory aroma without being overpowering.
- Onion powder: Brings sweetness and complexity to the seasoning mix.
- Mushrooms, sliced: Introduce earthiness and a satisfying bite, balancing out the dish.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a mild savory backdrop for the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Lends umami richness and a touch of saltiness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for perfect clinginess to the chicken and mushrooms.
- Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for smooth sauce texture.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready
Start out by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This ensures that when your ingredients hit the pan, they’ll sear beautifully and develop that irresistible caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour in the vegetable oil and allow it to warm up. A hot pan with hot oil is key for locking in the moisture of the chicken and getting that lovely brown crust.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken breast pieces straight to the skillet. Stir occasionally as it cooks. You want each piece coated and evenly browned which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of your dish.
Step 4: Set Chicken Aside
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and give your pan a quick wipe if necessary. This prevents burning and prepares it for your veggies.
Step 5: Sauté Green Onions
Add chopped green onions to the same skillet to pick up all those wonderful leftover flavors from the chicken. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 6: Add Mushrooms
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Stir with the green onions and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. This deepens the dish’s earthy character.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Veggies
Return your golden chicken pieces back into the skillet alongside the mushrooms and green onions. This reunites all the flavors to start melding together.
Step 8: Season Generously with Black Pepper
Sprinkle the teaspoon of black pepper over the mixture. Toss everything well so every bite has a peppery kick that’s unmistakable but perfectly balanced.
Step 9: Finish Cooking
Let the combined chicken, mushrooms, and onions cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This brief simmer lets the flavors deepen and the dish warm all the way through.
Step 10: Taste and Adjust
Before plating, taste your creation. If you crave extra spice, never hesitate to add more freshly ground black pepper. This is your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe, so tailor the heat to your liking!
Step 11: Serve It Up
Plate your steaming, aromatic Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms hot over fluffy rice or tender noodles—the perfect base to soak up the savory sauce. Now dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh chopped green onions or a few sprinkles of toasted sesame seeds adds color and texture contrast. A light drizzle of sesame oil just before serving can elevate the aroma exquisitely.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice, which balances the bold flavors of the black pepper sauce. Also consider garlic fried rice or buttery noodles. For some freshness, a crisp cucumber salad or lightly blanched bok choy makes a lovely counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fuss-free dinner party, serve this meal family-style in a large shallow bowl with garnishes on top. Alternatively, spoon it onto lettuce leaves for Asian-inspired wraps that guests can assemble themselves—fun, interactive, and tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify slightly as they rest, so it makes for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. A splash of water or broth can refresh the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more juiciness and richness, making the dish even more succulent. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they cook through properly.
What types of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Common button mushrooms are perfect, but feel free to experiment with cremini or shiitake for a deeper, more woodsy flavor. Just slice them similarly so they cook evenly.
Is this dish very spicy due to black pepper?
The black pepper adds warmth and a mild kick rather than intense heat. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, making it gentle or more assertive.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a medley of hearty vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The black pepper sauce still shines with these changes.
What is the best way to serve this with rice or noodles?
Serve the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms over steamed rice or toss it with cooked noodles just before serving. Both options soak up the flavorful sauce and complement the dish’s rich profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that’s this easy yet so full of bold, comforting flavors. I can’t recommend trying this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe enough — it’s bright, hearty, and perfect for whenever you want a delicious meal without fuss. Give it a go and watch it quickly become your new favorite weeknight staple!
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Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked with aromatic black pepper, sautéed mushrooms, and green onions. Perfect served hot over rice or noodles, this savory skillet recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chopped green onions
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking.
- Heat the oil: Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet and allow it to warm up.
- Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Sauté green onions: In the same skillet, add 1 cup of chopped green onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften slightly.
- Add mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the green onions. Stir together and cook for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and start to brown.
- Return chicken to skillet: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the mushrooms and green onions.
- Season with black pepper: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of black pepper over the mixture and stir well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Combine sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Pour this sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more black pepper or salt if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms hot over cooked rice or noodles and enjoy your savory meal.
Notes
- Chicken breast can be substituted with boneless thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Use fresh black pepper for a stronger aroma and flavor.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding ingredients for best searing results.
