Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms is a simple and tasty dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken and earthy mushrooms, all coated in a bold black pepper sauce. The peppery kick makes this meal feel special but still easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The mushrooms soak up all the flavors, adding a nice meaty texture to every bite.
I love making this when I want something flavorful but not too complicated. The smell of black pepper onion, and garlic cooking together is one of my favorite kitchen moments. A quick tip I’ve learned: don’t be shy with the pepper—it really makes the dish pop! It’s also great to toss in a handful of fresh herbs or a splash of soy sauce for an extra layer of yum.
We usually enjoy this with a bowl of steamed rice, which helps balance out the pepper’s heat and soaks up that delicious sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels cozy and satisfying without much fuss. Whenever I make this, everyone ends up asking for seconds—and sometimes thirds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless thighs because they stay juicy, but breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just don’t overcook them to keep tender bites.
Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are mild and absorb flavors well. If you want a deeper taste, try cremini or shiitake mushrooms instead.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best punch. If you want less heat, use less or consider white pepper for a milder option.
Soy sauce & oyster sauce: Soy adds saltiness, and oyster sauce adds a nice umami note. If avoiding oyster sauce, extra soy or a splash of mushroom sauce works well.
Cornstarch slurry: This thickens the sauce nicely. If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot or flour-water mix can work as substitutes.
How Do You Get the Chicken Tender and the Sauce Thick and Glossy?
Cooking chicken over medium-high heat fast is key to locking in juices. Don’t crowd the pan to make sure each piece browns nicely. When adding the sauce, mix cornstarch with water first. Stir it in slowly while cooking, so the sauce thickens evenly without clumps.
- Cook chicken until just browned and nearly done, then remove to avoid overcooking.
- Use the same pan to cook onions, garlic, and mushrooms for full flavor.
- Add sauces and black pepper back in, then stir in cornstarch slurry slowly.
- Keep stirring until sauce thickens and gets a shiny, smooth coating.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – I prefer a wok because it heats evenly and makes stir-frying easier.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – helpful for chopping chicken, onions, garlic, and mushrooms quickly and safely.
- Measuring spoons and small bowl – for mixing sauces and cornstarch slurry.
- Spatula or cooking spoon – for stirring everything together without breaking up the ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use sliced beef or tofu instead of chicken for different tastes and textures.
- Cheese or spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat or sprinkle with sesame seeds for additional flavor.
- Vegetable boost: Include sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy for more color and crunch.
- Flavor twist: Drizzle with a little sesame oil at the end for nuttiness or stir in a splash of rice vinegar for tang.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or cooking oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- Steamed rice
- Steamed green vegetables (like Chinese broccoli or asparagus)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. It’s quick to stir-fry, making it perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner. Total time: about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, until they start to brown and are almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions begin to soften. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they’re tender and have released most of their moisture.
3. Combine & Finish the Dish:
Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together well. Pour in the cornstarch mixed with water, gently stir, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens, becomes glossy, and coats the chicken and mushrooms nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more black pepper as you like.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your delicious Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms to plates. Serve alongside steamed rice and your choice of steamed green vegetables. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better browning.
Can I Substitute Other Mushrooms?
Absolutely! Cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms work well and add deeper flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if using larger mushrooms.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce when cooking for an extra kick. Adjust according to your taste.
