Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe

Savory Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe for Tonight

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this black pepper chicken with mushrooms culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces dance with earthy mushrooms in a robust sauce.

Fragrant aromas will immediately capture your senses and spark excitement.

Layers of complex flavors emerge from simple ingredients carefully combined.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together in one skillet.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a delicious meal.

You can create restaurant-quality comfort on your plate with just a few smart techniques.

What’s Bold About Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

  • Whip Up a Quick Meal: This black pepper chicken recipe delivers a delicious dinner in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something tasty and fast.
  • Boost Flavor with Minimal Ingredients: Using just a few pantry staples like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper, you can create an incredibly rich and savory dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
  • Master a Versatile Cooking Technique: Learning this simple stir-fry method teaches you how to brown chicken perfectly and layer flavors, which can be applied to countless other recipes and cooking styles.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe allows simple substitutions or additions like different vegetables or protein options, making it adaptable to what you have on hand or personal taste preferences.

What You Need for Chicken and Mushrooms

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of this savory dish.
Aromatics:
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the chicken.
Seasoning Group:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize and create a light coating on the chicken.
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper: Contribute to the rich, balanced flavor profile of the dish.
Vegetables:
  • Mushrooms: Add earthy texture and umami taste to the chicken.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Cooking Oil: Helps in sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
  • Water: Used to mix with cornstarch for marinating the chicken.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Adds a fresh, sharp finish to the dish.

Instructions for Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly coat chicken pieces with cornstarch and a splash of water.

Let the chicken sit and absorb the marinade for about 10 minutes, allowing the cornstarch to help create a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Pieces

Fire up a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with oil.

Carefully place marinated chicken into the hot pan, cooking until each piece develops a golden-brown crust.

Once beautifully seared, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another round of oil.

Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced mushrooms

Cook the vegetables until they become tender and release their fragrant aroma, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Return seared chicken to the skillet with sauteed vegetables.

Pour in:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Ground black pepper
  • Salt
  • Sugar

Stir everything together, ensuring each piece gets evenly coated with the rich, savory sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Allow the dish to simmer for 2-3 minutes, heating everything thoroughly and melding the flavors.

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Notes That Make This Dish Shine

  • Use cornstarch and water to help chicken absorb flavors and create a silky texture that locks in moisture during cooking.
  • Cook chicken over medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown edges without drying out the meat, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
  • Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms separately before combining to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles in the dish.
  • Adjust soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, salt, and sugar proportions to create a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
  • Sprinkle chopped green onions just before serving to add a bright, crisp element that enhances the overall flavor and visual appeal.

Custom Mixes for Black Pepper Chicken

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before marinating and cooking for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce during the cooking process to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar coating texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Great Matches for Chicken and Mushrooms

  • Savory Plate Companions: Steamed white rice provides a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauces from the black pepper chicken.
  • Crisp Veggie Sidekick: Roasted broccoli or stir-fried green beans complement the dish's rich flavors and add nutritional balance.
  • Fresh Herbal Touch: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a bright, zesty finish that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Spice Level Booster: Add a small side of chili oil or sriracha sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat with their meal.

Best Way to Keep Chicken Stir-Fry Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer chicken and mushrooms to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly throughout, about 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?

Marinating the chicken with cornstarch and water helps create a protective coating that locks in moisture and prevents the meat from becoming tough during cooking.

  • Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes, you can substitute button mushrooms with shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms depending on your preference and availability. Each variety will add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

  • What's the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a light, crispy exterior on the chicken and acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, giving the dish a glossy and flavorful coating.

Print
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Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe

Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent black pepper chicken with mushrooms blends Chinese culinary tradition with bold flavors. Robust pepper notes and earthy mushrooms create a harmonious dish you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green onion, chopped

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Combine chicken with cornstarch and water, allowing flavors to meld for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Sear chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and slightly crisp, then transfer to a separate plate.
  3. Using the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until they become tender and release their aromatic essence.
  4. Reintroduce the browned chicken to the pan, creating a flavorful ensemble.
  5. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle black pepper, salt, and sugar over the mixture, stirring to coat each ingredient thoroughly.
  6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken absorbs the rich, savory seasonings and reaches optimal temperature.
  7. Elevate the dish with a garnish of freshly chopped green onions, adding a vibrant touch of color and mild onion zest.
  8. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and the mushrooms retain their succulent texture.

Notes

  • Prep chicken ahead by tenderizing it with cornstarch to ensure a silky, smooth texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Balance black pepper’s intensity by adjusting quantity for milder or spicier preferences, understanding each palate differs.
  • Use fresh mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for deeper umami flavor and more robust culinary experience.
  • Create low-carb version by replacing sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serving over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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