If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with a creamy, comforting sauce, you’re going to love this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and a peppery cream sauce that feels both luxurious and homey all at once. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners or even special occasions because it’s packed with flavor while still being simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential in creating the rich and savory profile of this dish. Each one plays a distinct role—whether it’s the hearty mushrooms adding earthiness, the cracked black pepper packing a punch, or the cream bringing that silky finish.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and tender texture.
- Button or Cremini Mushrooms: Sliced to soak up the sauce and offer a lovely bite.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Butter: Used in two stages for richness and to sauté the mushrooms perfectly.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce to coat the chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Brings umami and a touch of saltiness to balance the cream.
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: The star seasoning that delivers a bold, spicy kick.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that adds color.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by melting one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and half of your freshly cracked black pepper. This initial seasoning is vital because it builds the foundation of bold flavor right at the start. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the outside is golden brown and the inside is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside—this gives the chicken a delicious crust while keeping it juicy.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, letting them sauté for about 5 minutes. This step softens the mushrooms and allows them to develop golden edges, while the garlic adds a fragrant base that will marry beautifully with the sauce. Use this time to enjoy the incredible aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth and soy sauce into the pan, stirring to combine. This not only creates the liquid base for your sauce but also deglazes the pan, lifting all of those tasty browned bits off the bottom. Those bits are flavor gold, so be sure to scrape them well as you stir.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Creamy Pepper Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Pour the heavy cream over the chicken and mushrooms, then sprinkle in the rest of the black pepper. Stir gently to combine everything. This step transforms the sauce into a rich, velvety coating bursting with pepper heat and savory goodness. Allow it to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the sauce thickens and flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top is the perfect final touch. It cuts through the richness with a hint of freshness and adds a lovely pop of green color that makes the dish as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe pairs beautifully with several side dishes. Steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes soak up the creamy sauce, while a simple buttered pasta side creates a comforting, hearty meal. If you prefer something lighter, crisp steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad add balance and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the chicken sliced and fanned over a creamy polenta base or nestled into a bed of sautéed spinach. Drizzle extra sauce around the plate for elegance, and sprinkle a few whole cracked peppercorns on top for a striking finish that showcases the peppery star of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the chicken from drying out. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely if you want to make it in advance. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms on low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through to maintain that creamy consistency without overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While button or cremini mushrooms are traditional and offer a mild flavor, shiitake or portobello mushrooms can add a more robust taste and meaty texture that pairs wonderfully with the peppery sauce.
How spicy is the pepper in the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe?
The freshly cracked black pepper provides a noticeable but balanced heat. You can adjust the amount depending on your heat preference—from mild warmth to a more pronounced kick.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or can I substitute it?
Heavy cream is key to achieving that rich, silky sauce that wraps the chicken and mushrooms beautifully. You could try substituting with half-and-half or coconut cream for a different twist, but the texture and flavor might be less indulgent.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, you can easily make this dish gluten-free without compromising the delicious umami flavors.
What are some good alternatives to chicken breasts?
If you prefer, boneless chicken thighs work well because they stay moist and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe strikes a beautiful balance between bold flavors and comforting richness, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a cozy weekend dinner or an impressive dish to serve friends, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken and mushrooms!
Print
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe features tender pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, savory sauce made with garlic, mushrooms, soy sauce, chicken broth, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. The dish is finished with fresh parsley garnish and is perfect served over rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
- Salt, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp freshly cracked Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Mushrooms and Sauce
- 8 oz Button Mushrooms or Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Butter (divided)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet and chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and half of the black pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft and golden.
- Add liquids and deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to intensify the flavor.
- Simmer with chicken and cream: Lower the heat to medium. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, pour the heavy cream over the chicken and mushrooms, and sprinkle in the remaining black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Finish simmering: Allow the dish to simmer for 5-7 minutes so the sauce thickens and flavors meld together perfectly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice preference; freshly cracked pepper will provide the best flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the creaminess will be reduced.
- Button mushrooms can be replaced with cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a richer taste.
- Serve with your choice of starch such as steamed rice, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
