The aroma wafting from the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Picture tender chunks of chicken mingling with earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a zesty black pepper sauce that’s so good you might just want to bathe in it. Now that I’ve got your taste buds tingling, let me take you on a culinary adventure where this delightful dish is crowned king of my weeknight meals!

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- What side dishes pair well with Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?
- How long does the dish last in the fridge?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Ah, the joy of cooking! Memories flood my mind of whipping up this very dish for friends at my first apartment, their delighted faces as they took their first bites were priceless. You’d think I was Gordon Ramsay; they practically begged me to open a restaurant. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an impromptu gathering of friends, this black pepper chicken with mushrooms always steals the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This savory black pepper chicken is quick and effortless to make, perfect for busy evenings.
- The balance of flavors between chicken and mushrooms creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Visually stunning on any plate, it brings life to your dinner table.
- Ideal for meal prep, it’s versatile enough for various sides or alone!
I remember the time I made black pepper chicken for my family reunion—everyone raved about it! My grandma even asked for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for juicy bites; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
- Fresh Mushrooms: Choose button or cremini mushrooms; they add depth and umami flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best; it enhances the overall flavor profile tremendously.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves create a pungent aroma that makes your mouth water; don’t skimp!
- Ginger: Fresh ginger root adds a warm zing that complements the dish beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works wonders while keeping the saltiness in check.
- Chicken Broth: A splash enriches the sauce and infuses moisture into the chicken.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose something neutral like canola or sunflower oil.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add color and freshness when sprinkled on top before serving.
For the Sauce:
- Cornstarch: Use this as a thickener for a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
- Sugar: Just a pinch balances out all those savory flavors wonderfully!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by thoroughly washing and chopping your fresh vegetables. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces while admiring your knife skills.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Toss in your chicken pieces until they’re coated like they’re going to a fancy gala.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Cook the Mushrooms: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In that same skillet (no need to wash it), toss in sliced mushrooms until they’re tender and browned—about 5 minutes.
Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet with mushrooms. Pour in some chicken broth along with sugar and freshly cracked black pepper; stir well while dreaming about dinner already.
Thicken The Sauce: Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes until you notice that luscious glossy coating forming around your ingredients—time to get excited!
Serve hot over rice or noodles; feel free to garnish with green onions for that pop of color.
And there you have it! A delightful black pepper chicken with mushrooms ready to amaze everyone at your table!
You Must Know
- The key to great Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors.
- A good marinade makes all the difference in tenderness and taste.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; let your chicken get a nice sear before adding mushrooms.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken first, then sear it until golden brown. While it cooks, prepare your mushrooms in a separate pan to enhance flavors. Finally, combine everything and let those flavors mingle!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mushrooms for other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also experiment with spices; adding ginger or garlic can elevate your dish to new heights!
Storing & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. To reheat, microwave gently until warmed through, ensuring you don’t dry out your chicken.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to slice the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Use high heat initially for that perfect sear without overcooking.
- Remember to taste as you go—adjust seasoning based on personal preference!
I still chuckle remembering when I made this for my cousin’s birthday dinner. Everyone devoured it, and he asked if I’d open a restaurant—no pressure, right?
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating for best results.
What side dishes pair well with Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms?
Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for a balanced meal everyone will love.
How long does the dish last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days without losing flavor!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and earthy mushrooms in a zesty black pepper sauce. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fresh button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Wash and chop the vegetables. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Toss in the chicken until coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with mushrooms. Add chicken broth, sugar, and black pepper; stir well.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating bell peppers or snap peas alongside the mushrooms.
- Ensure not to rush the cooking process; a nice sear enhances taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg