Craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Chinese Chicken Mushroom recipe is a perfect example of a healthy and delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to savor the aromatic blend of chicken, mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer, for even more flavor). This simple step helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with deliciousness.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your delicious dish.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up any clumps of chicken for even cooking.
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Add the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly. This simple step enhances the umami flavors of the dish.
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Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and mushroom mixture. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over cooked rice. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter or cashew butter to the sauce.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, or snow peas.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is great for meal prepping. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
This Chinese Chicken Mushroom recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a quick, easy, and healthy meal option perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables in a delicious sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!