There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that’s both savory and peppery, with just the right balance of spice and umami. Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Inspired by the bold flavors of Asian cuisine, this dish is packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich black pepper sauce that coats every bite.

It’s the kind of recipe that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight, but it’s also flavorful enough to impress guests. Whether you’re a fan of takeout-style stir-fries or just love a meal with a bit of a kick, this dish will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy evenings.
• Bold Flavors: The black pepper sauce gives it a spicy, aromatic depth.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and veggies, it’s a well-balanced meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap in different mushrooms, or add more vegetables to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chicken broth

For Stir-Frying:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• Green onions for garnish

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, and black pepper. This quick marinade helps tenderize the chicken and ensures it absorbs all the bold flavors. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, and chicken broth. This creates the perfect balance of salty, slightly sweet, and peppery flavors that will coat the chicken and mushrooms beautifully. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onions until fragrant. The kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry until they soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together so the sauce evenly coats the chicken and mushrooms. Add an extra sprinkle of black pepper for that bold kick of spice.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce & Garnish

To make the sauce slightly thicker, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer for another minute until the sauce clings to the chicken and mushrooms. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Helpful Tips

• Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The key to this dish is the peppery heat, so using freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in a single layer ensures it browns properly rather than steaming.
• Customize the Heat Level: Add extra black pepper or even a pinch of red chili flakes if you like a spicier dish.
• Mushroom Options: Cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms all work great in this recipe. Each adds a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a simple side of stir-fried vegetables.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: High Protein

Notes

• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper slightly.
• Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Fat: ~10g
• Fiber: ~2g

(Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs take a little longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter taste or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to medium level of heat from the black pepper. If you prefer less spice, reduce the black pepper amount slightly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this dish gluten-free.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave.

Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you liked this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, you might also enjoy:

• Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
• Herb Roasted Chicken in Creamy White Sauce with Mushrooms and Potatoes

Conclusion

This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, peppery flavors and quick, satisfying meals. It’s a great go-to for busy nights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, with its rich, umami-packed sauce and tender chicken, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

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