Description
Learn how to make delicious mushroom chicken like Panda Express with our ultimate guide. Perfect for family meals and special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Slice the Vegetables: Slice the mushrooms and zucchini into similar-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and mix well.
- Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Mix well.
- Make the Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Wok: Preheat the wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
5. Cook the Vegetables
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Mushrooms and Zucchini: Add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini to the wok. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
6. Combine and Finish the Dish
- Return Chicken to Wok: Add the cooked chicken back to the wok with the vegetables.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the wok and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the dish and give it a final stir.
7. Serve
- Plate the Dish: Transfer the mushroom chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Accompaniments: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Choose firm zucchini and mushrooms with no signs of spoilage.
- Adjusting Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process for the best flavor. If the sauce is too salty, add a splash of water or chicken broth to balance it out.
- Alternative Ingredients: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for different protein options. For a vegetarian version, add more vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn.