If you’re craving a vibrant, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor yet surprisingly simple to whip up, this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender slices of chicken perfectly seared, mingling with fragrant garlic, earthy mushrooms, and crisp vegetables all coated in a luscious, savory sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that comes together in under 30 minutes, making every bite a delightful celebration of wholesome, satisfying goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of cooking this fantastic stir-fry. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing that punch of umami, a touch of crunch, or enriching the dish’s color and aroma to elevate your dining experience.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty depth of flavor to the chicken marinade and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a velvety coating on the chicken, sealing in juices and thickening the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Essential for stir-frying to get that beautiful sear and caramelization.
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced: Brings an earthy note with a meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatic that infuses the entire dish with irresistible fragrance.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Adds a subtle zing that balances the richness of the sauce.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, they add bulk, crunch, and a gorgeous green pop.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweet and colorful, it lightens the dish and boosts nutrition.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings a savory, umami-rich layer that elevates the entire stir-fry.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Additional seasoning for depth in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant finish that adds toasty, nutty undertones.
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water: Keeps the stir-fry moist and helps blend the sauce evenly.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry): Perfect for thickening the sauce to a glossy finish.
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a little crunch for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The magic begins by marinating your thinly sliced chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch. This simple combo not only seasons the chicken but tenderizes it and primes it for a velvety finish once cooked. Allowing it to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes lets all those flavors get cozy.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Adding the chicken in a single layer ensures it browns beautifully. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the pieces are golden and cooked through. Then, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside—this caramelized base adds incredible flavor to your stir-fry.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the pan and toss in garlic and ginger. Their aromas will fill your kitchen within seconds, signaling deliciousness ahead. After about 30 seconds, introduce the mushrooms, broccoli florets, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender but still maintain their crispness, around 4 to 5 minutes. This texture balance is what makes this dish so satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Make Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in oyster sauce, an extra splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Stir everything together so the flavors meld perfectly. Then, add your cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes every piece exquisitely.
How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish even further, scatter finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the top. These little extras brighten up the plate visually and add a delightful crunch and fresh bite with every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe shines best when served over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also try it with noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce. Each option complements the dish in its own way, making the whole meal truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir-fry inside lettuce cups or alongside crispy wonton chips for a casual appetizer-style dish. You could also plate it family-style with a colorful salad on the side or add fresh herbs like cilantro for an extra burst of herbal freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe, simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious option for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the chicken and vegetables separately to preserve texture. Place portions in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags and use within 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the dish’s quality.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up, restoring that irresistible glossy finish you enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap broccoli and bell peppers for snap peas, zucchini, carrots, or anything else you prefer. The stir-fry is versatile and welcomes whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Gluten-free versions of these sauces are widely available and just as flavorful.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and can even add extra juiciness. Just slice them thinly and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
This Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is mild and centered on savory and aromatic flavors. If you love heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers when stir-frying your vegetables.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar for a similar sweet-savory touch. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and exciting about the Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe, blending fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and rich, layered flavors in one skillet meal. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is practically guaranteed to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to dish you want to make time and time again.
Print
Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A quick and healthy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry featuring tender chicken breast, fresh mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines bold garlic and ginger flavors with a thickened oyster sauce-based glaze.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
Sauce & Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating chicken)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for marinating chicken)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for stir-fry sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Vegetables
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Oils & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Quickly sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4–5 minutes, or until they are just tender but still crisp and vibrant in color.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the stir-fry hot. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles to complete the meal.
- You can swap the vegetables based on what you have—snow peas, zucchini, or carrots all work well for variation.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their crispness and nutrients.
