If you are craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe is exactly the comfort food your kitchen needs. With tender slices of chicken breast perfectly matched with earthy mushrooms and bright red bell peppers, all enveloped in a luscious sauce that balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes, every bite bursts with delicious harmony. It is a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special yet comes together in under 20 minutes, proving that wholesome, restaurant-quality meals don’t always require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but vibrant ingredients is the secret to this dish’s incredible taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms to the fragrant garlic and ginger that elevate the whole stir fry.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly slicing them ensures quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to create a light coating on the chicken for a silky texture in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Used to tenderize the chicken for juicy bites.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or rice wine or sherry): Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Infuses the chicken with umami richness right from the start.
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce: Provides a luscious, slightly sweet and salty backbone in the stir fry sauce.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness and brings savory notes to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce: Adds color and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar: Brings sweetness to counterbalance the salty elements.
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar: Offers a bright, tangy contrast to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Deliciously aromatic, it finishes the dish with a nutty hint.
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil: Ideal for high-heat stir-frying, it lends a subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and crunch to the vegetable mix.
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced: Brightens the dish with its pungent aroma.
- 2-inch piece of ginger, julienned: Brings warmth and a zingy spice to every bite.
- 8 ounces white mushrooms (cremini or shiitake), sliced: Their meaty texture pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a splash of color and crispness.
- 3 green onions, sliced: For a fresh, mild onion finish as garnish.
How to Make Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the thinly sliced chicken breasts with cornstarch, baking soda, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce in a bowl. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and ensures it soaks up savory flavors right from the get-go, setting the stage for juicy, flavorful pieces that will stand out in the stir fry.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
Whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauces, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This sauce is the magic that blends salty, sweet, tangy, and nutty elements into a luscious coating for the chicken and veggies, giving the stir fry its signature taste.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes. This helps develop a nice sear before stir-frying it through until fully cooked. Then, transfer the chicken out of the pan and set it aside, keeping those flavorful juices ready for the next step.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion, garlic, and julienned ginger. Quickly stir-fry for a minute to release their fragrant aromas. Then add the mushrooms and red bell pepper, continuing to cook until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. This combination delivers multiple textures and a wonderful medley of natural sweetness and earthiness.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables, pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over everything, and toss to coat evenly. Allow the mixture to heat through just enough to marry the flavors, ensuring every bite carries that irresistible balance of juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and silky sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Lastly, sprinkle sliced green onions and, if you like, a few sesame seeds on top for a little fresh crunch and visual appeal. Serve this colorful, flavorful Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe hot, ideally over steamed rice or your favorite grain, to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds as garnishes really livens up the dish. The green onions offer a mild crunch and fresh burst, while sesame seeds bring a subtle nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully. You can also add a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed noodles. A crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed greens can complement the dish by adding contrasting textures and a refreshing palate cleanser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe wrapped in lettuce cups or alongside warm tortillas for a fusion-inspired meal. Another eye-catching presentation is plating it in a carved-out bell pepper bowl or layering it over a bed of fried rice garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs, giving it an elevated, restaurant-quality look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate from rice, if served, will help preserve texture and prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, give it a quick stir and heat thoroughly.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry, but for best texture, it’s advisable to freeze only the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture without rice. Pack it in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag and consume within 2 months for optimal flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth will help revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Microwaving works well too but cover the dish to retain moisture and stir occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap white mushrooms with cremini, shiitake, oyster, or even portobello for varying textures and flavors. Each type will bring its own unique earthiness to the dish.
Is it necessary to use Shaoxing wine?
Shaoxing wine adds authentic depth and helps tenderize the chicken, but if you don’t have it, dry sherry or rice wine are great substitutes. If you prefer not to use alcohol, adding a splash of chicken broth can help maintain moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by replacing the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and using vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce in your stir-fry sauce mix.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for stir frying?
For even cooking and tenderness, freeze the chicken for about 20 minutes to firm it up, then slice thinly against the grain. This helps the meat remain juicy and tender after cooking.
How spicy is this Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe?
The recipe as provided is mild, focusing on savory and slightly sweet flavors. If you love spice, you can easily add red chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a drizzle of chili oil to boost heat.
Final Thoughts
With its harmonious blend of tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and vibrant veggies all coated in a mouthwatering sauce, this Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe is a true kitchen winner you will want to make again and again. It’s quick, reliable, and bursting with flavor — the perfect way to bring joy and comfort to any mealtime. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a deliciously balanced stir-fry sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines easy preparation with bold Asian-inspired flavors served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or rice wine or sherry)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
Stir-Fry Sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Vegetables and Oils
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2-inch piece of ginger, julienned
- 8 ounces white mushrooms (cremini or shiitake), sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breasts with cornstarch, baking soda, Shaoxing wine, and low-sodium soy sauce. Mix well and set aside letting the chicken absorb the flavors and tenderize slightly.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set this savory mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer without stirring for 2 minutes to allow searing, then stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onion, garlic, and julienned ginger. Stir-fry briefly until fragrant and starting to soften. Add the sliced mushrooms and red bell pepper, continuing to cook until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Coat with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the mixture and toss everything together to evenly coat and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions (and optional sesame seeds if desired) over the top. Serve the stir fry immediately, ideally over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken with baking soda helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
- If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, substitute with dry sherry or rice wine.
- Use a wok or large skillet to ensure proper high-heat stir-frying.
- Customize vegetables by adding snap peas or carrots for added crunch.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a traditional pairing.
