Name: Black Pepper Chicken with Mushroom
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 piece onion, chopped; 2 cups mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 cup water ((or more for extra sauce)); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Green onions for garnish (optional)

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Welcome to your new go-to weeknight meal: Black Pepper Chicken with Mushroom! This savory, satisfying dish brings together juicy chicken breasts and earthy mushrooms, all coated in a bold black pepper sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat. It’s comfort food with a kick—quick to make, endlessly flavorful, and guaranteed to please the whole family. Did you know black pepper is often called “the king of spices”? It’s not just a seasoning—it’s the secret to the dish’s signature depth. If you love fast and flavorful meals like our Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’re going to fall in love with this one. Grab your skillet—let’s turn up the flavor!

What is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushroom?

So what exactly is Black Pepper Chicken with Mushroom? Aside from being a mouthful to say (and eat!), it’s a sizzling stir-fry that combines tender pieces of chicken with sautéed mushrooms and a bold, peppery sauce. Think of it as your favorite takeout, but made right in your own kitchen—with fewer preservatives and more flavor. Ever imagine mushrooms egging on chicken to get a little spicy? Maybe not—but with this combo, anything feels possible! “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish will surely win over hearts at the dinner table. Time to spice things up and make your kitchen smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

1. Bold, Savory Flavor

This dish is all about the punch of freshly ground black pepper, balanced by the rich umami of oyster sauce and mushrooms. The chicken stays juicy, the mushrooms soak up the sauce, and the onions add sweetness—every element works together beautifully.

2. Easy, Budget-Friendly, and Better Than Takeout

Skip the expensive takeout and enjoy restaurant-style flavor at home! This recipe comes together quickly with pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping alike.

3. Flavorful Finishing Touches

A dusting of extra pepper, optional green onions, or even sesame seeds can elevate each bite. If you’re a fan of bright, herby dishes, don’t miss our Lemon Herb Chicken—it’s another quick fix with maximum flavor.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushroom

Quick Overview

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushroom is a 30-minute meal that’s loaded with bold taste and comes together in one pan. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup water (or up to 1/2 cup for more sauce)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Coat with Flavor: Toss the chicken in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to give it a light crust and season throughout.
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Cook the Chicken: Add chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms; sauté until mushrooms are browned and tender.
Create the Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water. Let it simmer for a minute to blend the flavors.
Bring It All Together: Return the chicken to the pan. Stir everything to coat in the sauce and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
Finish and Serve: Add a final crack of black pepper and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve hot!

What to Serve with Black Pepper Chicken and Mushrooms

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Steamed white or jasmine rice – to soak up the sauce
Stir-fried vegetables – like bok choy or broccoli for a balanced plate
Garlic noodles or fried rice – for a more indulgent pairing
Jasmine iced tea or white wine – for a refreshing contrast

Whether you keep it simple or go all out, this dish makes the perfect centerpiece.

Top Tips for Perfecting Black Pepper Chicken

Substitute with ease: Use firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version without losing flavor.
Control the heat: Freshly ground black pepper is key—adjust to your taste for just the right spice.
Avoid soggy chicken: Cook chicken in batches if needed so it browns nicely without steaming.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

This recipe is a great make-ahead option that tastes just as good the next day!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Is this dish suitable for kids?
It depends on their spice tolerance! You can reduce the pepper to make it milder.

Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just rehydrate them before use and adjust cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushroom is the kind of weeknight dinner that hits all the right notes—quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With its rich sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation. So grab your pan, turn up the heat, and bring this bold, savory dish to life. Trust us—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!