If you’ve been searching for a quick, flavorful dinner that truly satisfies, let me introduce you to the star of your weeknight meals: this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe. It blends tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers, and the perfect garlicky punch, all wrapped up in a luscious sauce that will make your taste buds sing. This dish strikes the ideal balance between wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, delivering a meal that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a stir-fry pro or just dipping your toes into cooking, this recipe promises to become an instant favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, bringing texture, aroma, and that savory depth that keeps you coming back for more. From the tender chicken breast to the vibrant red bell pepper, every item shines both on its own and as part of the ensemble.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and juicy bites.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: The perfect neutral oil to stir-fry without overpowering flavors.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Adds an earthy, meaty texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings vibrant color and a natural sweetness to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Provides subtle sharpness and caramelizes slightly for sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient that packs a punch of fragrant, savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers the perfect salty, umami base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds rich depth and subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Gives a hint of complexity with its slightly smoky, sweet profile.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Injects a nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a gentle heat that balances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a kick of spice if you like your stir-fry with some heat.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps develop a saucy consistency and enhances savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Creates a smooth, glossy sauce that hugs every ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped: For a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens each bite.
- Cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
How to Make Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once warm, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Stir occasionally, allowing the chicken to brown evenly and cook through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—this keeps the texture perfectly tender and prevents overcooking during later steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms, red bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender yet slightly browned. This step releases their natural sweetness and builds layers of flavor that make the stir-fry truly remarkable.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir it around for an additional 30 seconds. The sizzling garlic will become wonderfully fragrant without burning, infusing the vegetables with that signature garlicky aroma that is essential in this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour this luscious sauce over the sizzling vegetables and give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors seamlessly. This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering a sweet, salty, and slightly spicy punch.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the saucy vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth to help bring all the flavors together and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow this to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, giving the sauce time to reduce slightly and coat every delicious morsel.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch and water mixture to form a smooth slurry. Gradually add this to the simmering skillet while stirring continuously. Within 1 to 2 minutes, the sauce will thicken beautifully, becoming glossy and perfect for draping over the chicken and veggies like a savory blanket.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the stir-fry. This fresh herb adds a burst of green color and a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the sauce, making every bite fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is the classic finishing touch, but you can also add toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and subtle nutty flavor. Thinly sliced green onions can bring a mild sharpness that pairs beautifully with the garlicky sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines best served over fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up all the savory sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or even a simple bed of steamed veggies. Alternatively, pair it with noodles to switch things up while keeping the meal satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld meal loaded with textures. You can also plate it in a beautiful shallow bowl with a drizzle of extra sesame oil on top and a wedge of lime on the side to brighten the flavors brilliantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the stir-fry has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that vegetables might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help revive the sauce and keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but that works in a pinch when time is tight.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap standard white mushrooms with cremini, shiitake, or portobello for slightly different textures and flavors. Each variety will bring its own unique earthiness to your Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a mild level of heat by default, which comes mainly from the black pepper. You can add red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Definitely! This recipe works wonderfully with thinly sliced beef, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, try substituting with a mix of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sugar or hoisin sauce. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still provide that rich umami flavor the dish needs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and make sure the oyster and hoisin sauces are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without worry.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe if you want a dish that’s not only quick and easy but also bursting with incredible flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat, yet it’s manageable on busy nights. Once you take that first bite, you’ll see why this recipe has earned a top spot in my kitchen. So gather your ingredients, let the garlic do its magic, and enjoy the wonderful comfort of homemade stir-fry that’s as vibrant as it is delicious!
Print
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry combining tender chicken breast with savory mushrooms, crisp bell peppers, and a rich garlic-soy sauce. This easy-to-make stir-fry is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and stir occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Stir-fry vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, red bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender and slightly browned, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the dish has a deep garlic aroma.
- Prepare and add sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked vegetables and stir to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Combine chicken and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce reduces slightly.
- Thicken sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the skillet. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, ensuring a perfect coating on the chicken and vegetables.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Serve: Serve the garlic mushroom chicken stir-fry hot over cooked rice to complete this satisfying and well-balanced meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chili peppers.
- Use any mushroom variety you like, such as cremini, button, or shiitake, for variation in flavor and texture.
- To keep the chicken tender, slice it thinly and cook over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan.
- Hoisin and oyster sauce add depth; if unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar or molasses.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
