Zesty Chicken & Mushroom Stir-Fry: A Flavorful, Quick Weeknight Dish

Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal to whip up during busy weeknights? This Chicken & Mushroom Stir-Fry is your answer! Packed with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and crisp vegetables, this dish bursts with flavor thanks to its rich sauce and simple yet impactful marinade. With the perfect balance of textures and spices, including a hint of heat from dried red chilies, this stir-fry is a delightful blend of Asian-inspired flavors. Plus, it’s ready in minutes, making it ideal for those who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 10.5 oz (300 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 3 dry red chilies, sliced (optional for spice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 slices of ginger, julienned
  • 2 scallions, chopped into 2-inch segments
  • 10 mushrooms, cut into small cubes or slices
  • ½ bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

For the Sauce Mix:

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or substitute with white vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the chicken:
    In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with the corn starch, sesame oil, sugar, light soy sauce, and baking soda. Toss until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.
  2. Prepare the sauce mix:
    While the chicken marinates, whisk together the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, corn starch, and white pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. This sauce will add the perfect umami-rich flavor to your stir-fry.
  3. Stir-fry the aromatics:
    Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic, ginger, and dry red chilies (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Cook the chicken:
    Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it is lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
  5. Stir-fry the vegetables:
    Pour the last tablespoon of oil into the same pan. Toss in the mushrooms, bell pepper, sweet onion, and spring onions. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. The mushrooms should release some moisture, while the bell pepper and onion retain their crunch.
  6. Combine everything:
    Stir everything together and pour in the prepared sauce mix. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
  7. Garnish and serve:
    Once everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened, remove the stir-fry from the heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion:

This Zesty Chicken & Mushroom Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender marinated chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp vegetables, all coated in a savory, tangy sauce, makes it a crowd-pleaser. Quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite veggies, this stir-fry is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, this simple stir-fry will leave you satisfied and craving more. Enjoy!

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