Name: Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional); 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or sugar; 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste); ½ cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ onion, thinly sliced

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold, comforting flavors with the perfect peppery punch, then this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. Juicy, tender chicken breasts mingle with earthy mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce loaded with freshly ground black pepper punch. It’s an amazing family-friendly meal that’s as quick to whip up as it is satisfying to eat, making every bite a warm hug on a plate.

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, giving you that perfect balance between savory, sweet, and peppery, while also adding wonderful texture and lovely color to the dish.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, they soak up the sauce beautifully and cook evenly.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing mushrooms, adding a touch of richness.
Salt and pepper: The basic seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors.
Garlic powder and fresh garlic cloves: Provide aromatic depth and a subtle warmth.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness that complements the chicken perfectly.
Oyster sauce (optional): Gives a slight sweet-savory complexity to the sauce.
Sesame oil: Just a dash brings a toasty, nutty aroma.
Rice vinegar: Introduces a mild tang that brightens the dish.
Honey or sugar: Balances the pepper’s heat with gentle sweetness.
Freshly ground black pepper: The star of the show, providing bold and piquant flavor.
Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce luscious and moist without overpowering.
Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, ideal for soaking up the peppery sauce.
Onion: Adds sweetness and crunch when thinly sliced and sautéed.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to bring out their natural flavor. Heat the olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, then cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes each side until golden brown and cooked through. This searing locks in the juices and gives your chicken a beautiful color. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly before slicing it into tender strips.

Step 2: Sauté Your Mushrooms, Garlic, and Onion

In the same skillet, add a splash more olive oil if needed. Toss in your sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and thinly sliced onion. Let them cook over medium heat until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture, about five minutes. This step builds the earthy foundation of the dish and infuses the oil with aromatic goodness you’ll love.

Step 3: Whisk the Flavorful Sauce

While the mushrooms cook, mix together the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or sugar, freshly ground black pepper, and chicken broth in a bowl. If you want a slightly thicker sauce, stir cornstarch into some water to create a slurry and add that in as well. This sauce brings everything together and highlights the key flavors of the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Mushroom Mixture and Simmer

Pour the sauce into the skillet with the mushrooms and stir gently. Bring it to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken just enough to coat every morsel. This simmering moment is essential—it deepens the flavors and creates that irresistible glossy finish on your dish.

Step 5: Add Chicken Back and Finish Cooking

Finally, nestle your sliced chicken back into the pan. Toss everything to ensure each piece is drenched in the luscious, peppery sauce. Let it simmer together for another two minutes so the chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors and stays juicy and tender.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra freshly ground black pepper or some chopped green onions makes a lovely garnish. These additions not only enhance the look but add an extra burst of freshness and sharp contrast to the savory sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish shines best served over fluffy steamed rice or alongside warm noodles that soak up the flavorful sauce. You can even pair it with a crisp Asian-inspired slaw or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe in lettuce cups for a light and fresh handheld option. Alternatively, plating it over creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables adds a cozy, comforting vibe perfect for cooler evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this recipe refrigerate really well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further as it sits, making it perfect for a next-day quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, freeze the cooked Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce saucy and prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to reheat evenly without toughening the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Absolutely! While button or cremini mushrooms work wonderfully, shiitake, portobello, or even oyster mushrooms can add additional depth and texture to your Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can swap out chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just be sure to check that your soy and oyster sauces are vegan-friendly or substitute accordingly.

How spicy is this dish with the black pepper?

The freshly ground black pepper provides a lively heat that’s warming rather than overwhelming. You can always adjust the amount of pepper to suit your taste or add chili flakes if you want a spicier kick.

Can I prepare this ahead of time for meal prep?

This dish is great for meal prepping because it keeps well and reheats beautifully. Just prepare it fully, then portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What can I do if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If you’re out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are perfect stand-ins. Just use a little less initially and adjust to taste to maintain that balanced tang in your sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the rich, peppery flavors and tender textures in this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests, making it one of my favorite go-to dishes. I really encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken with a twist!