Peppery Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

The Ultimate Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe to Enjoy

Crafting a delightful black pepper chicken with mushrooms promises an epicurean adventure that’ll spark your culinary curiosity.

Aromas of fresh herbs and savory spices will soon dance through your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces coated in robust seasonings create a mouthwatering centerpiece for any meal.

Earthy mushrooms complement the bold pepper notes, adding depth and complexity to each bite.

Home cooks appreciate simple yet sophisticated dishes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Succulent protein meets umami-rich vegetables in this straightforward recipe that surprises and satisfies.

You’ll find yourself returning to this crowd-pleasing combination again and again.

Why Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Stands Out

  • Craft Gourmet Flavors at Home: Master a restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and professional cooking techniques that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
  • Quick Protein-Packed Dinner Solution: Prepare a nutritious and satisfying main course that delivers bold black pepper flavor and succulent chicken in minimal preparation time.
  • Versatile Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken cuts, experimenting with different mushroom varieties, or adjusting spice levels to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Restaurant-Inspired Cooking Confidence: Learn professional searing and sauce-building techniques that elevate home cooking skills and impress dinner guests with minimal culinary expertise required.

Ingredients For Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Lean meats that provide a tender and flavorful base for the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Black Pepper, White Pepper, Salt: Seasonings that create a robust and spicy flavor profile for the chicken.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the marinade.
Vegetable Components:
  • White Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that caramelize and absorb surrounding flavors, adding texture and richness to the dish.
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb used as a garnish to provide a bright, crisp finish.
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Rice Wine, Chicken Broth: Liquid ingredients that create a rich, glossy sauce with complex umami flavors.
  • Vegetable Oil: Cooking medium used for searing chicken and sautéing mushrooms.
Finishing Touch:
  • Sesame Oil: Aromatic oil that adds a nutty, distinctive flavor to the final dish.

How To Cook Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts and thighs into even, bite-sized pieces. Remove any extra fat or tough connective tissue to ensure each piece cooks perfectly and looks appetizing.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Marinade

Mix together:
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Salt
  • White pepper

Blend these ingredients thoroughly in a mixing bowl to create a bold seasoning blend.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Coat chicken pieces completely with the marinade, massaging the seasonings into every piece. Let the chicken sit and absorb the flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Mushrooms

Clean white mushrooms and slice them into thin, elegant pieces. These will cook quickly and soak up the delicious sauce during cooking.

Step 5: Heat the Cooking Pan

Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Watch for the oil to shimmer and create subtle ripples, indicating it’s ready for cooking.

Step 6: Sear the Chicken

Carefully add marinated chicken to the hot pan. Arrange pieces so they’re not overcrowded, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken

Stir chicken occasionally, cooking for 6-8 minutes. This ensures even browning and prevents sticking to the pan.

Step 8: Add Mushrooms

Introduce sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Let them caramelize and release their rich, earthy flavors alongside the chicken.

Step 9: Create the Sauce

Pour into the pan:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Rice wine
  • Chicken broth

These ingredients will create a glossy, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and mushrooms.

Step 10: Simmer and Finish

Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. Confirm chicken is fully cooked by checking it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 11: Final Touch

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and sprinkle finely chopped green onions on top for a fresh, bright finish.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the black pepper chicken with mushrooms over steamed rice or your favorite side dish. Serve hot and savor the rich, peppery flavors.

Tips For Flavorful Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

  • Marinate Like a Pro: Let chicken sit in the spicy blend for 15-20 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
  • Slice with Precision: Cut mushrooms and chicken into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Sear chicken in batches to maintain high heat and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior without steaming the meat.
  • Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy protein every single time.
  • Boost Umami Depth: Add a splash of sesame oil at the end to elevate the dish's overall richness and provide a subtle nutty undertone.

Ways To Change Up Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

  • Spicy Korean-Style Chicken: Swap white pepper with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and add gochujang paste for a fiery Korean-inspired version with deeper heat and complexity.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace black pepper with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil and add crumbled feta cheese as a final garnish for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Thai-Inspired Coconut Chicken: Incorporate red curry paste, replace chicken broth with coconut milk, and add lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to transform the dish into a creamy, aromatic Thai-style preparation.
  • Smoky Southwestern Chicken: Use chipotle powder instead of black pepper, add cumin and smoked paprika.

What To Serve With Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Wine Pairing
  • Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the black pepper's spiciness and cut through the dish's rich, savory profile.
  • Craft Perfect Side Companion
  • Prepare fragrant jasmine rice or fluffy basmati to absorb the glossy sauce, creating a delectable base that enhances every bite of the chicken and mushrooms.
  • Balance Texture with Fresh Salad
  • Toss a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs to provide a cool, crisp contrast against the warm, peppery main dish.

How To Keep Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Fresh

  • Transfer leftover black pepper chicken with mushrooms into an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pack cooled chicken and mushrooms in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
  • Gently warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

Black Pepper Chicken With Mushrooms Questions Answered

  • What makes black pepper the star ingredient in this dish?

Black pepper provides a sharp, warm, and slightly spicy flavor that penetrates the chicken, creating a bold and robust taste profile that elevates the entire dish.

  • Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute white mushrooms with shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms to add variety and unique earthy flavors to the dish.

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

Marinate the chicken for 15-20 minutes, cook at medium-high heat, and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent tough, dry meat and maintain its moisture and tenderness.

  • Is this dish considered spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate pepper heat from freshly ground black pepper, offering a warm, aromatic spiciness without being overwhelmingly hot.

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Peppery Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

Peppery Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich black pepper chicken with mushrooms delivers a sensational blend of savory flavors that dance across your palate. Spicy, tender chicken pieces nestled with earthy mushrooms create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast
  • 0.5 lbs chicken thighs

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 2 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp ginger (fresh)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp white pepper

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

  • 8 oz white mushrooms
  • 0.5 cup green onions
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice wine
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Trim chicken breasts and thighs, removing any excess fat or connective tissue, and slice into bite-sized, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Create a robust marinade by combining freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and white pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the prepared marinade, ensuring each morsel is well-seasoned. Let the meat absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Clean and slice white mushrooms into elegant, thin pieces that will cook quickly and absorb surrounding flavors.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
  6. Carefully add marinated chicken to the hot pan, allowing pieces to sear and develop a golden-brown exterior without overcrowding the cooking surface.
  7. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
  8. Introduce sliced mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to caramelize and release their earthy essence alongside the chicken.
  9. Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and chicken broth into the pan, creating a rich, glossy sauce that will coat the ingredients.
  10. Simmer the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  11. Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  12. Serve immediately, presenting the black pepper chicken with mushrooms over steamed rice or your preferred accompaniment.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts or thighs with minimal fat for leaner, tender results that cook evenly and quickly.
  • Marinate chicken at room temperature to help spices penetrate deeply and create more intense flavor profiles.
  • Keep mushroom slices uniform to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture or burning during sautéing.
  • Prevent chicken from sticking by using a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan with adequate oil temperature.
  • Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, ranging from mild to extra spicy preferences.
  • Swap white wine or dry sherry for rice wine if unavailable, maintaining similar flavor complexity and depth.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and checking oyster sauce ingredients.
  • Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutritional variety and color contrast.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 50 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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