Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

There’s nothing like the bold, savory flavor of black pepper chicken paired with earthy mushrooms. This dish is a comforting, restaurant-style stir-fry you can whip up at home in less than half an hour. It’s fragrant, rich, and perfectly balanced with the warmth of cracked pepper and the umami depth of mushrooms, making it a winning weeknight recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers that perfect combination of fast cooking, big flavor, and familiar comfort. The sauce is peppery and aromatic, the chicken tender, and the mushrooms add a meaty bite that makes every forkful satisfying. It’s a dish you’ll return to again and again because it never fails to impress without requiring complicated steps.

• Bursting with bold, peppery flavor
• Ready in 30 minutes or less
• Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients
• Healthier and fresher than takeout
• Great for both weeknights and entertaining

Nutritional Information

Not only does this recipe deliver on taste, but it also provides balanced nutrition. Lean chicken provides plenty of protein, mushrooms bring antioxidants and fiber, and the savory sauce satisfies cravings without being overly heavy. It’s a dinner you can feel good about.

• Calories: 380–420 per serving
• Protein: 28–32g
• Carbohydrates: 20–24g
• Fat: 15–18g
• Fiber: 3–4g

Time Breakdown

We all love meals that get on the table fast, and this one shines in that category. With only a few minutes of chopping and a quick stir-fry, you’ll have a hot and flavorful meal ready to serve in well under thirty minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how it uses simple, everyday ingredients to create something extraordinary. From basic chicken and mushrooms to pantry staples like soy sauce and garlic, you won’t need anything fancy to whip up this flavorful dish.

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1–2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh scallions for garnish
• Steamed rice or noodles for serving

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Shopping for this dish is easy and stress-free. With just a handful of fresh items and a couple of common sauces you probably already have at home, you’ll have everything you need to bring this recipe to life.

• Chicken (breast or thighs)
• Mushrooms
• Onion
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce (or hoisin)
• Cornstarch
• Black pepper
• Scallions
• Rice or noodles

How to Make – Step by Step

Cooking this stir-fry is straightforward and fun. Each stage builds flavor, from browning the chicken to sautéing the mushrooms and creating that peppery sauce. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

1. Slice the chicken thin and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet, stir-fry the chicken until lightly browned, then remove.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until tender.
4. Add the chicken back to the pan, pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and the cornstarch slurry.
5. Stir well, sprinkle in black pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens.
6. Garnish with scallions and serve over rice or noodles.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Flexibility is what makes this recipe truly versatile. Whether you want to switch up the protein, add extra vegetables, or adjust the spice level, this dish adapts easily to your tastes and what you have in the kitchen.

• Swap chicken with beef, pork, or tofu for variety.
• Use shiitake mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
• Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for more veggies.
• Adjust black pepper levels depending on your spice tolerance.
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is delicious on its own, but it really shines when paired with the right sides. Whether you go classic with steamed rice, add noodles for extra comfort, or complement it with fresh greens, there are plenty of ways to make it a complete meal.

• Serve over jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing.
• Try with stir-fried noodles for a hearty twist.
• Add a side of steamed greens for balance.
• Pair with spring rolls or dumplings for a takeout-inspired feast.

Storing Tips

Leftovers are just as tasty the next day, making this dish perfect for meal prep. With the right storage and reheating methods, you can keep the flavors and textures fresh, so nothing goes to waste.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Not recommended for freezing, as mushrooms may lose their texture.

Chef’s Special Tips

A few small tricks can take this recipe from good to unforgettable. From using freshly cracked pepper to cooking on high heat for that signature stir-fry flavor, these simple chef’s insights ensure your dish always turns out beautifully.

• Always use freshly cracked black pepper for the boldest flavor.
• Slice the chicken thinly for quicker cooking and tender bites.
• Cook on high heat for that classic stir-fry sear.
• Taste the sauce as you go and adjust pepper or soy sauce to your liking.
• Garnish generously with scallions for freshness and crunch.

Conclusion

Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is proof that simple ingredients can deliver bold, restaurant-quality flavor in no time. With juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a peppery sauce that ties it all together, this dish is a weeknight favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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