The Perfect Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe for Dinner

Black pepper dances through this succulent chicken dish, creating a symphony of bold flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

mushrooms bring an earthy depth to every delightful bite.

Aromatic spices weave magic into simple ingredients.

Each forkful promises a culinary adventure that blends comfort with excitement.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

Subtle heat and rich umami notes promise a dinner that’ll become your new favorite weeknight solution.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible plate of pure deliciousness.

Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms That Excites The Palate

• Boost Flavor Quickly: Black pepper chicken delivers a punch of bold, spicy taste that transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: This recipe teaches basic skills like coating chicken, sautéing vegetables, and creating a quick sauce, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to improve their culinary abilities.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this one-pan meal combines protein and vegetables, offering a complete dinner solution that requires minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows switching mushrooms with other vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or using different protein options to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Essential Ingredients To Craft Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish and absorbs the rich black pepper flavor.

• Cornstarch, Chicken Broth: Help create a smooth and glossy sauce while adding body to the dish.

• Onion, Mushrooms: Provide depth of flavor and earthy undertones to complement the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Sugar: Create a balanced and complex seasoning profile with savory and slightly sweet notes.

• Oil: Allows for even cooking and helps develop golden brown color on chicken and vegetables.

Follow These Steps To Make Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Mix sliced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Ensure each chicken piece gets thoroughly coated.

Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

The exterior should be crispy and interior tender. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Sliced mushrooms

Cook vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mushrooms should become golden and release their natural moisture.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Black pepper
• Sugar
• Chicken broth

Pour sauce mixture into skillet with sauteed vegetables.

Stir to combine and create a rich, glossy base.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Dish

Return seared chicken to skillet.

Gently stir to coat chicken with sauce. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional black pepper if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips To Bring Out The Best In Black Pepper Chicken

• Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior and locks in moisture, ensuring each chicken piece remains juicy and tender.
• Choose fresh, firm mushrooms without dark spots or sliminess to enhance the dish's overall flavor and texture.
• Maintain medium-high heat while cooking chicken to achieve golden-brown color without burning or undercooking the meat.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent sauce from becoming too thick or too runny, creating perfect coating for chicken.
• Add extra cracked black pepper at the end for intensified peppery kick and deeper flavor complexity.

Fun Ways To Change Up Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

• Veggie Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating the protein beforehand for maximum flavor absorption.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, grain-free version that keeps the dish's delicious essence.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Remix: Add gochujang or Korean chili paste to amplify heat and introduce a tangy, complex flavor profile to the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free, maintaining the dish's rich umami character while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Delicious Pairings That Elevate Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

Crisp pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc complements the dish’s bold black pepper notes, cutting through rich chicken flavors with refreshing acidity.

Spicy, effervescent ginger beer matches the recipe’s peppery kick, providing a zesty counterpoint to the savory mushroom and chicken combination.

Jasmine or basmati rice with light sesame oil drizzle absorbs the sauce perfectly, offering a neutral yet aromatic base that elevates the main dish’s complex flavors.

Chopped green onions or cilantro sprinkled on top add bright, clean notes that balance the dish’s deep, umami-rich profile.

Best Practices To Store Black Pepper Chicken Properly

• Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of coating chicken with cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior, locks in moisture, and thickens the sauce while preventing the chicken from becoming dry during cooking.

• Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes, you can substitute white button mushrooms with shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms based on your preference and availability.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

• Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild black pepper flavor that adds warmth and depth, but it’s not considered a spicy dish. You can adjust the black pepper amount to suit your taste preferences.

Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Savor the bold flavors of black pepper chicken with mushrooms, a culinary journey that blends aromatic spices and tender protein. Rich umami notes dance with peppery warmth, creating a simple yet sophisticated dish that satisfies your craving for comfort and excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch mixture)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Amounts in standard (metric) and US units will be the same.

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken by combining sliced pieces with cornstarch, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even coating. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes while preparing remaining ingredients.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil, creating a sizzling surface. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and thorough internal cooking.
3. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and crispy texture. In the same skillet, introduce additional oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened.
4. Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the skillet, continuing to cook while stirring occasionally until they develop a rich, golden color and tender consistency.
5. Prepare sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, sugar, and chicken broth in a separate container, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Pour sauce mixture into the skillet with vegetables, stirring to blend ingredients seamlessly and develop depth of flavor.
7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the aromatic sauce. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously for approximately 1 minute.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning, potentially enhancing spiciness with additional black pepper. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, ensuring optimal temperature and flavor.

Notes

• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Use a light, even cornstarch dusting to help chicken develop a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
• Mushroom Browning Technique: Allow mushrooms to sit undisturbed for a few moments during cooking to achieve beautiful golden caramelization and enhance their rich, earthy flavor.
• Spice Customization: Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, from mild to intensely peppery, ensuring the dish matches individual taste profiles.
• Protein Flexibility: Easily swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create versatile meal options that cater to different dietary needs and preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg