I love making this Stir-Fried Black Pepper Chicken and Mushrooms when I want a quick, satisfying dinner packed with bold flavor. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then combined with earthy mushrooms and coated in a rich, peppery sauce. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it simple yet incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides to build flavor from the beginning.
Cook the Chicken:
I heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5–7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, I add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. I sauté the sliced mushrooms and onions for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms become tender and nicely browned. Then I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
I stir in the soy sauce, chicken broth, and black pepper. If I prefer a thicker sauce, I dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add it to the pan, stirring until the sauce thickens to my liking.
Combine and Finish:
I return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the mushroom sauce over it. I let everything cook together for 3–4 minutes so the chicken absorbs all the rich flavors.
Serve:
I garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve the dish over rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture. When I want extra vegetables, I add sliced bell peppers or snap peas to the stir-fry. For a slightly creamy version, I stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. If I enjoy more heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes alongside the black pepper.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat and add a small splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce smooth. I can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I slice the chicken before cooking?
Yes, I can slice the chicken into strips before cooking for a more traditional stir-fry style and faster cooking time.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
I avoid overcooking it and make sure to remove it from the pan once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, I simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos.
Is the cornstarch necessary?
No, I only use cornstarch when I want a thicker sauce. The dish is still flavorful without it.
What sides pair best with this dish?
I like serving it with white rice, brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Conclusion
I find this Stir-Fried Black Pepper Chicken and Mushrooms to be the perfect blend of bold flavor and simplicity. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight and versatile enough to adjust to whatever ingredients I have on hand. With tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a punchy black pepper sauce, this dish always satisfies.
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Stir-Fried Black Pepper Chicken and Mushrooms
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden and combined with savory mushrooms in a bold black pepper sauce. This quick one-skillet meal delivers rich flavor and satisfying comfort in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the mushrooms and onions for 5–7 minutes until tender and browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, chicken broth, and additional black pepper. If using cornstarch, dissolve it in 1 tablespoon of water and add to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Notes
Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra vegetables and color.
For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with mushrooms
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
