Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

There’s something magical about a dish that balances bold, peppery heat with rich umami flavors. Enter Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms—a savory, slightly spicy dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite high-end restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

This dish draws inspiration from classic Asian flavors, particularly Chinese black pepper chicken, but with an added depth from mushrooms. The mushrooms soak up all that irresistible sauce, making each bite juicy and packed with flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love this—whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party.

Why You’ll Love Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.

Is this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms for you? Let’s see. Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is…

1. Incredibly flavorful – The bold, peppery sauce combined with tender chicken and mushrooms is a match made in heaven.
2. Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.
3. Restaurant-quality at home – Skip takeout and enjoy this gourmet dish in the comfort of your kitchen.
4. Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap the mushrooms, or add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
5. Perfect with rice or noodles – Serve over jasmine rice or toss with noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Ingredients in Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple ingredients, yet the flavors are anything but basic. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Breast or Thighs: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.

Mushrooms: Shiitake, button, or cremini mushrooms work best, adding a deep, earthy flavor.

Black Pepper: The bold, spicy backbone of the dish. Freshly ground black pepper makes all the difference.

Soy Sauce: Brings that rich umami depth while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Oyster Sauce: A secret weapon for extra savory goodness. It enhances the overall richness of the dish.

Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics add warmth and complexity to the sauce.

Cornstarch Slurry: Helps create a luscious, thick sauce that coats every bite perfectly.

Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying and bringing everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. A hot pan ensures a great sear on the chicken and mushrooms.

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with soy sauce, black pepper, and a bit of cornstarch. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Sear the Chicken: Add oil to the hot pan and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the mushrooms until they’re golden and slightly crispy.

Create the Sauce: Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of water. Let it simmer briefly.

Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add more black pepper to taste.

Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken until glossy and irresistible.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate it up with rice or noodles, and sprinkle with green onions for a fresh finish.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?

• Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus make excellent pairings.
• As a Standalone: Enjoy it on its own with a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping ingredients the night before and storing them in airtight containers.
• Spice It Up: Like it extra fiery? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Dietary Adjustments: Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Double the Batch: Freezes well, so consider making extra for easy future meals.

Tips & Variations

• Secret to Tender Chicken: Marinate it for at least 15 minutes before cooking for extra juiciness.
• Extra Umami: A splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of MSG enhances the savory flavors.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for added crunch and color.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a game-changer—simple yet packed with bold flavors, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will never disappoint. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!