If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with creamy comfort, this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe is going to be your new favorite weeknight meal. Juicy chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection swim in a luscious sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, fragrant garlic, savory chicken broth, and a generous kick of freshly cracked black pepper. The addition of heavy cream smooths everything into a rich and silky texture, making each bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe delivers hearty warmth and a delightful peppery punch that feels both special and effortlessly approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from adding depth of flavor to building a luscious cream sauce that complements the tender chicken and earthy mushrooms. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you begin.
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless for the perfect balance between lean protein and quick cooking.
- Button or Cremini Mushrooms: These bring a meaty texture and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pepper.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Butter: Used in sautéing, it provides richness and helps develop a golden crust on the chicken.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps meld the flavors in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the sauce its creamy, indulgent texture.
- Soy Sauce: Introduces a touch of umami and enhances the savory notes.
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: The star of the dish, offering a bold, spicy kick that wakes up your palate.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by melting one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, season your chicken breasts liberally with salt and half of the freshly cracked black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, aiming for a beautiful golden brown color and cooked-through tenderness. Afterward, remove the chicken and set it aside for the next stage.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add in the minced garlic along with the sliced mushrooms. Sauté these together for approximately 5 minutes or until the mushrooms soften and develop a lovely golden hue. This step is crucial as it deepens the umami flavor base for your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring gently to combine and scrape up those delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom. These bits are flavor gold, lending complexity to the sauce that makes the dish so memorable.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Cream
Turn the heat down to medium, then nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the mushrooms and sauce. Slowly pour the heavy cream over everything, then sprinkle in the remaining freshly cracked black pepper. Stir gently to meld the creamy sauce with the peppery kick.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfect
Let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to marry beautifully. This creates that luscious consistency and intense flavor that defines this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley makes all the difference at the end, adding a refreshing burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note that balances the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when served over fluffy rice or tender pasta, both excellent choices that soak up the creamy black pepper sauce perfectly. For a more rustic take, crusty bread on the side is a fantastic way to scoop up every last bit of that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, arrange the chicken and mushrooms atop a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Drizzle extra sauce around the plate and finish with a light dusting of black pepper and parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for the best texture and flavor, separate the chicken from the sauce if possible. Freeze the components in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help restore the luscious sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! While button or cremini mushrooms are recommended for their flavor and texture, shiitake, portobello, or even oyster mushrooms can be great alternatives that add unique character to the dish.
How spicy is the Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe?
The spiciness largely depends on how much freshly cracked black pepper you use. The recipe calls for 2 to 3 tablespoons, which gives a robust peppery flavor without being overpoweringly hot. You can adjust it to your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep since it reheats well and maintains its flavor. Just be mindful of the creamy sauce, reheating it gently will keep the texture smooth.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
What is the best way to cook chicken breasts so they stay juicy?
Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat until golden, then finishing in the sauce helps keep them moist. Avoid overcooking by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that delivers incredible flavor with comforting creaminess, this Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight but feels fancy enough to share for special occasions. Once you’ve made it, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every delicious bite of this cozy, peppery delight!
Print
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and comforting Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a creamy peppery sauce with sautéed garlic and mushrooms. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
- Salt, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp freshly cracked Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Mushroom Sauce
- 8 oz Button Mushrooms or Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet and cook 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 aside.
- Sauté garlic and mushrooms: In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, then sauté for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft and golden brown.
- Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring well to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to maximize flavor.
- Combine chicken and cream: Lower the heat to medium, return the cooked 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.
- Simmer sauce: Let the dish simmer for 5-7 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve warm over your choice of rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust black pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Button mushrooms can be substituted with cremini or baby bellas for a deeper flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain juiciness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, buttery pasta, or crusty artisan bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
