Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe

There's nothing quite like the bold, savory flavors of Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms sizzling in your skillet. Tender chicken bites, umami-packed mushrooms, and a punchy black pepper sauce come together to create a dish that's just as good—if not better—than your favorite takeout.

I first discovered this dish when trying to recreate a restaurant favorite at home. After a few tweaks and taste tests, I landed on a version that's quick, easy, and full of irresistible flavors. Whether you're making this for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, you'll love how simple yet satisfying it is.

Why You'll Love This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Get ready to add this dish to your regular rotation! Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms checks all the boxes for a go-to meal.

First, it’s quick and easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful dish that tastes like it took all day to prepare.

It's also budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients like chicken and mushrooms, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

And let’s not forget the bold black pepper sauce! The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and freshly ground black pepper creates an irresistible depth of flavor.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing out the bold, savory flavors.

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender throughout cooking, unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly. If you prefer white meat, be sure to cut it into small, even pieces for faster cooking.

Mushrooms – I love using cremini or shiitake mushrooms because they add a deep, earthy flavor. However, white button mushrooms will work just fine if that’s what you have on hand.

Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper is the star of the show. Don’t use pre-ground pepper; grinding it fresh releases the oils that give the dish its signature kick.

Soy Sauce – A mix of light and dark soy sauce balances the flavors perfectly. Light soy sauce adds saltiness, while dark soy sauce gives the dish a richer color and depth.

Cornstarch – This helps to tenderize the chicken and gives the sauce a glossy, silky texture. Don’t skip this step!

How To Make This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Creating this delicious dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a meal that’s packed with flavor.

Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Next, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and swirl it around. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add another drizzle of oil. Toss in the mushrooms, garlic, and onions, stirring frequently. The mushrooms will release their juices, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Now it’s time for the sauce! Mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and a splash of chicken broth. Pour it into the pan, letting it simmer for a minute before adding the chicken back in.

Stir everything together, ensuring the sauce coats the chicken and mushrooms evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Once the sauce thickens slightly, remove the pan from heat.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), you can store them easily for later.

For short-term storage, place the cooled chicken and mushrooms in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

When reheating, warm it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!

Want more veggies? Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra color and crunch.

For a spicier kick, throw in some red pepper flakes or sliced Thai chilies.

If you don’t have chicken, swap it for thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

No oyster sauce? Substitute it with a mix of hoisin sauce and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami depth.

Experimenting with different ingredients is the best part of cooking—so don’t be afraid to try new combinations!

With its bold flavors, quick prep time, and endless customization options, Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to pair it with a bowl of fluffy rice or noodles for the ultimate comfort meal!

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