Craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Chinese Chicken and Mushroom recipe is a perfect blend of savory, umami-rich flavors that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend treat. This homemade cooking masterpiece is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let's dive into this best recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or a mix), sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional, for added color and sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and almost cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
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Add onion and bell pepper (if using) to the wok and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-5 minutes more.
Combine and Simmer:
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Return the chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
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Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Chinese Chicken and Mushroom immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra tender chicken, you can partially cook it before adding the sauce.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; it’s important to sear properly for a nice crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- If you don't have rice wine vinegar, substitute with white wine vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Broccoli florets, snow peas, or baby corn would be delicious additions.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it a One-Pan Meal: Add some cooked noodles to the wok with the chicken and vegetables for a complete one-pan meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of delicious dishes and healthy meals. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and savory sauce is simply irresistible. Enjoy!