Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

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Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a bold, savory, and satisfying dish that comes together quickly while delivering restaurant-quality flavor. Juicy pieces of chicken are stir-fried until golden, combined with tender mushrooms, crisp vegetables, and coated in a rich black pepper sauce that’s perfectly balanced between spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it cooks in under 30 minutes. It pairs beautifully with rice or noodles and can easily be customized to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in under 30 minutes

  • Packed with flavor

  • Better than takeout

  • Customizable spice level

  • High in protein

  • Perfect for meal prep

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Vegetables:

  • 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced

  • 2 green onions, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Black Pepper Sauce:

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional for color)

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.

In a bowl, combine:

  • Chicken pieces

  • Soy sauce

  • Cornstarch

  • Black pepper

  • Salt

Mix well and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes. Even a short marinade helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.

Cornstarch creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps it juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Soy sauce

  • Oyster sauce

  • Dark soy sauce (if using)

  • Rice vinegar

  • Sugar

  • Freshly cracked black pepper

  • Chicken broth

Set aside.

In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will thicken the sauce later.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.

Let the chicken sear for 2–3 minutes without moving it too much. This helps develop a golden crust.

Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.

Add:

  • Garlic

  • Ginger

Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Add mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes. Mushrooms release moisture first, then begin to brown. Cook until they are tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.

Pour the prepared black pepper sauce over the mixture. Stir well.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken within 1–2 minutes.

Cook until the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat.

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

Taste and adjust seasoning:

  • Add more black pepper for extra spice

  • Add a splash of soy sauce if needed

  • Add a pinch of sugar if you prefer slightly sweeter

Serving Suggestions

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice

  • Brown rice

  • Fried rice

  • Noodles

  • Cauliflower rice (low-carb option)

For a complete meal, serve with:

  • Steamed broccoli

  • Bok choy

  • Stir-fried green beans

  • Asian cucumber salad

Tips for Best Results

  1. Use freshly cracked black pepper for bold flavor.

  2. Don’t overcook the chicken or it may become dry.

  3. Cook mushrooms long enough to develop deep flavor.

  4. Stir sauce before pouring to redistribute ingredients.

  5. Keep heat medium-high for proper stir-frying.

Flavor Variations

1. Extra Spicy Version

Add:

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce

2. Creamy Black Pepper Chicken

Add:

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce

3. Low-Sodium Option

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce oyster sauce slightly.

4. Vegetable Boost

Add:

  • Snow peas

  • Zucchini

  • Baby corn

  • Spinach

5. Keto-Friendly Version

Replace sugar with a sugar substitute and serve over cauliflower rice.

Meal Prep and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken is high in protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins.

Mushrooms provide antioxidants, fiber, and important minerals like selenium.

Using a homemade sauce allows you to control sodium and sugar levels compared to restaurant versions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using pre-ground black pepper (less flavor)

  • Overcrowding the pan

  • Skipping cornstarch (sauce won’t thicken)

  • Cooking on low heat (won’t get proper sear)

  • Overcooking mushrooms

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this dish is balance:

  • Soy sauce provides saltiness.

  • Oyster sauce adds depth and umami.

  • Black pepper brings bold heat.

  • Sugar balances sharpness.

  • Cornstarch thickens the sauce perfectly.

Cooking chicken separately ensures it stays tender. Adding the sauce at the end keeps vegetables crisp and flavorful.

Make It a Complete Dinner Bowl

For a delicious bowl:

  1. Add rice to the bottom.

  2. Spoon black pepper chicken on top.

  3. Drizzle extra sauce.

  4. Sprinkle sesame seeds.

  5. Add steamed broccoli or carrots.

It’s comforting, filling, and packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed dinner option that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and bold pepper sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

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