Black Pepper Chicken
Elevate your weeknight meals with this flavorful Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms, a standout among dinner ideas that’s both quick and delicious. Tender chicken breasts and earthy mushrooms are coated in a rich, peppery sauce, blending savory, sweet, and spicy notes in under 30 minutes. Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions, this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms brings bold umami flavors to your table with minimal effort. Follow our easy recipe to create this versatile dinner idea that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce and Mushrooms:
- 8 oz 225g sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce use gluten-free if needed
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional, for extra depth
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, mixed with 1 tbsp water for thicker sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- Sliced green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
Season and Cook the Chicken:
- Season 4 chicken breasts with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove chicken, let rest, and slice into strips.
Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil if needed. Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1 sliced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, until mushrooms are golden and onions are translucent.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (if using), 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup chicken broth.
- For a thicker sauce, add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.
Combine and Simmer:
- Pour the sauce over the mushrooms, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add sliced chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve:
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions for a vibrant dinner idea.
Notes
- Maximize Mushroom Flavor: Sauté mushrooms until golden to enhance their umami richness.
- Fresh Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for the boldest flavor in this dinner idea.
- Even Chicken Slices: Slice chicken uniformly to ensure it soaks up the sauce evenly.
- Thicker Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry for a glossy, restaurant-style sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce before adding chicken and tweak pepper or honey to suit your taste.