Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Featured in: Family Dinner Ideas

This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms combines tender chicken breasts with savory mushrooms in a rich, peppery sauce. The dish starts with chicken seasoned generously with black pepper and salt, then seared until golden brown. Mushrooms are sautéed in the same pan, picking up all the flavorful bits, and then combined with a sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The result is a perfectly balanced dish with a bold pepper flavor that can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. The optional addition of cornstarch creates a thicker sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and mushrooms.
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Updated on Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:54:52 GMT
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Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms | quickierecipe.com

Imagine slicing into perfectly cooked chicken, each piece glazed with a rich, peppery sauce that clings to tender mushrooms, creating a dish that's both boldly flavored and comforting. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal where fresh black pepper takes center stage, supported by earthy mushrooms and umami-rich sauce.

Last evening, I served this to my family, and the way everyone fell silent, focused entirely on savoring each bite, told me this recipe had hit that perfect balance between bold and comforting flavors.

Building Your Ingredients

  • Chicken: Choose uniform thickness pieces either breasts or thighs. Breasts require more attention to prevent drying.
  • Fresh Black Pepper: Invest in whole peppercorns and grind just before using, as pre-ground pepper loses its aromatic oils.
  • Mushrooms: Select firm specimens with tight caps, avoiding any with dark spots or slippery texture.
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose plump, firm heads with tight skin, avoiding any with green sprouts.
  • Quality Chicken Broth: Use homemade or premium brands without excessive sodium.
  • Soy Sauce: Select naturally brewed varieties for the best umami-rich flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: The traditional brand provides the most reliable taste.
  • Cornstarch: Helps achieve ideal sauce consistency store in an airtight container to prevent clumping.
  • Fresh Parsley: Look for vibrant bunches without wilting or yellowing to brighten the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin isn’t necessary, but it should be fresh for the best searing medium.

Creating Perfect Chicken

Master The Sear:
Heat pan until oil shimmers but doesn't smoke. Place seasoned chicken carefully away from you to prevent splatter. Allow a golden crust to form before attempting to turn. Monitor heat to maintain a steady temperature.
Mushroom Excellence:
Add mushrooms to a hot pan in a single layer. Allow them to release their moisture and begin to brown before stirring. This develops deeper flavor and better texture.
Sauce Creation:
Deglaze pan with broth, scraping up all browned bits. Add remaining ingredients gradually, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust thickness to your preference using a cornstarch slurry.
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Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms | quickierecipe.com

Perfect Pairings

Serve over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Consider adding steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for color and nutrition. A side of crusty bread makes the perfect tool for capturing any remaining sauce.

Making It Your Own

Experiment with mushroom varieties for different flavors and textures. Add heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce. Include sliced onions with the mushrooms for additional depth. Try chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor.

Storage Wisdom

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent tough chicken.

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Delicious Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms | quickierecipe.com

Through countless preparations of this dish, I’ve learned that seemingly simple ingredients can create extraordinary results when treated with care. The key lies in letting each component develop its full potential—from the perfectly seared chicken to the deeply browned mushrooms. This recipe has become my go-to for transforming an ordinary evening into something special, proving that great cooking doesn’t always require complicated techniques or rare ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes, any variety of mushrooms works well, including cremini, button, shiitake, or a mixture for more complex flavors.
→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and show no pink in the center when cut.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
→ How can I make the sauce creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce after thickening for a richer, creamier texture.
→ What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
This chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in a rich black pepper and mushroom sauce, perfect for serving over rice or with your favorite sides.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
03 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Sauce

05 1/2 cup chicken broth
06 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
08 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
09 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
10 Salt to taste

→ Garnish

11 Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Start by seasoning your chicken pieces generously with salt and half of the black pepper, making sure to coat both sides well.

Step 02

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and perfectly done, about 6-7 minutes per side. You're looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, set aside on a plate.

Step 03

In the same skillet, using all those flavorful brown bits left from the chicken, add your sliced mushrooms. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes until they're nicely browned and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute.

Step 04

Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, along with the remaining black pepper. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the pan. For a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with a splash of water and stir it in.

Step 05

Return your chicken to the pan, spooning the mushrooms and sauce over top. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

  1. Add a splash of cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier version
  2. Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier result
  3. Adjust black pepper amount to your preferred level of heat

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)
  • May contain wheat/gluten (depending on soy sauce used)