Chinese chicken with mushrooms is one of my favorite quick stir-fry dishes. I love how tender chicken pieces pair perfectly with earthy mushrooms, all coated in a savory, slightly garlicky sauce. It’s simple to prepare, healthy, and tastes just like something I’d order from a Chinese restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s quick, full of flavor, and comes together in under 30 minutes. The sauce is rich and savory without being heavy, and the mushrooms add a meaty texture that makes the dish satisfying. I also love that I can serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal, and it’s versatile enough to customize with different vegetables.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced
- Mushrooms (shiitake, button, or cremini), sliced
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Cornstarch (for coating and thickening)
- Chicken broth (or water)
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- I start by tossing the chicken pieces in a little cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- I heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- I stir-fry the chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove it from the pan.
- In the same pan, I add more oil if needed and sauté garlic, ginger, and mushrooms until fragrant and softened.
- I whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of cornstarch for the sauce.
- I pour the sauce into the pan, stirring until it thickens slightly.
- I return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- I finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so I plan for about 25 minutes total.
Variations
- I sometimes add bell peppers, bok choy, or snow peas for extra vegetables.
- For a spicy version, I stir in red chili flakes or a spoonful of chili paste.
- If I want a lighter sauce, I use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce.
- For a richer dish, I add a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I stir-fry quickly in a hot pan or warm gently in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a splash of broth or water.
FAQs
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
I like using shiitake for authentic flavor, but button or cremini mushrooms also work well.
Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, I often use thighs because they stay tender and juicy in stir-fries.
Do I need a wok to make this dish?
No, I can make it in a large skillet just as easily. A wok is nice but not required.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
I mix a little extra cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce until it reaches the thickness I want.
Can I serve this with noodles instead of rice?
Yes, I sometimes toss the chicken and mushrooms with cooked lo mein or rice noodles for a heartier dish.
Conclusion
Chinese chicken with mushrooms is one of my go-to stir-fries when I want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. I love how simple the ingredients are, yet the result tastes like classic takeout. Whether I serve it over rice or noodles, it’s always a comforting dish that everyone enjoys.
PrintChinese Chicken with Mushrooms
Chinese chicken with mushrooms is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish made with tender chicken slices, earthy mushrooms, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It’s easy to prepare, healthier than takeout, and perfect served over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (plus 1 tsp for sauce)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 8 oz mushrooms (shiitake, button, or cremini), sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Toss sliced chicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and mushrooms for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and 1 tsp cornstarch.
- Pour sauce into the pan and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy for more color and nutrients.
- Adjust spice by adding chili flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg