Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Discover a flavorful Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick, savory dinner at home. This vibrant dish balances tender chicken with succulent mushrooms, all enveloped in a peppery sauce that’s both bold and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy prep time: From chopping to plating, it can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-packed: The bold black pepper adds a spicy kick that beautifully complements the earthy mushrooms and juicy chicken.
• Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce to create something special.
• Versatile comfort food: This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or even steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Kid-friendly option: Mild enough for young taste buds when you adjust the pepper, but still satisfying for adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe plays a key role in delivering delicious flavor and inviting textures. From tender chicken breasts to the earthiness of mushrooms and the unmistakable punch of freshly cracked black pepper, every component shines through.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and juicy results.
• Fresh mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms bring a rich, umami depth to the meal.
• Black pepper: Coarsely ground, this is the star spice that gives the dish its signature zing.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory, salty complexity and helps create the glossy sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic enhances the aroma and offers that classic savory base.
• Onion: Thinly sliced to add a gentle sweetness and texture contrast.
• Vegetable oil: For sautéing and achieving that perfect sear on the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Used to lightly coat the chicken for a tender, slightly crispy finish.
• Water or chicken broth: Enhances the sauce and helps meld all flavors together.
• Green onions (optional): For garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Variations for Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or ingredient availability without losing its delicious essence.

• Spicy upgrade: Add chopped fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes to increase heat and depth.
• Different mushrooms: Swap button mushrooms for shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for varied flavor textures.
• Protein swap: Use thigh meat instead of breasts for extra juiciness or substitute tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-free option: Replace soy sauce with tamari and use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
• Herbal twist: Toss in chopped fresh basil or cilantro at the end for added fragrance and freshness.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized strips. Clean and slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Mince the garlic and slice the onion thinly, then coarsely grind fresh black pepper to have that bold seasoning ready on hand.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Lightly toss the chicken strips in cornstarch, which will give them a delicate coating that helps to seal in juices and add texture once cooked. Set the coated chicken aside while you heat your pan.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion, stirring until they release their aroma and start to soften. Then, toss in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, enhancing their savory flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Push the mushrooms and aromatics to the side of the pan, then add the coated chicken strips. Let them sear for a couple of minutes without stirring, achieving a nice golden crust. Flip and cook through until no longer pink inside.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Seasoning

Pour in soy sauce and a splash of water or chicken broth, sprinkle the fresh black pepper generously over the chicken and mushrooms, then stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer briefly, allowing the cornstarch coating to thicken the mixture into a glossy, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Give the dish a final toss to ensure even coating and season to taste with more black pepper if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch just before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

• Fresh black pepper matters: Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best aroma and punch, rather than pre-ground pepper.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure proper searing and avoid steaming.
• Use high heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps get a nice caramelization on mushrooms and chicken.
• Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes after cooking so flavors mingle and intensify.
• Adjust the pepper last: Add the black pepper towards the end of cooking to preserve its bold flavor and aroma.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions or chopped cilantro adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish. You can also add a few sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch that complements the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, garlic fried rice, or simple stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the dish in a shallow bowl or serving it family-style in a large cast iron skillet to keep it warm throughout the meal. You can also serve it inside lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Microwave reheating is fine too, but stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and richer flavor, making them a great alternative in this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

The black pepper adds mild heat and a zesty kick, but if you prefer more spice, you can easily add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms and vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms all work wonderfully, each bringing their unique texture and flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and using a gluten-free cornstarch substitute like arrowroot powder.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. It’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week, yet impressive with every bite thanks to its bold, balanced flavors. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your new go-to for satisfying savory meals!

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