Braised Chicken Mushroom Chinese Recipe: Take Your Culinary Skills to the Next Level

Braised chicken mushroom Chinese recipe is a classic comfort food that is easy to prepare and packed with flavour. This dish is a perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms, braised in a rich, savoury sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

To understand braising, it is important to know that it is a cooking technique that involves searing or browning meat and then simmering it in a liquid over low heat for an extended period of time. The result is a tender and flavourful dish that is perfect for cold weather. Braising is a great way to cook tough cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs, as it breaks down the connective tissue and makes them tender.

The key ingredients for this dish are chicken, mushrooms, and a variety of aromatics and spices. Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in this recipe, but you can also use other types of mushrooms, such as cremini or oyster mushrooms. Additionally, you can propose the use of seafood in the recipe, such as prawns or scallops, to add a unique twist to the dish. When it comes to serving and pairing, braised chicken mushroom Chinese recipe goes well with steamed rice or noodles, and a side of steamed vegetables.

Key Takeaways

• Braised chicken mushroom Chinese recipe is a classic comfort food that is easy to prepare and packed with flavour.
• Braising is a cooking technique that involves searing or browning meat and then simmering it in a liquid over low heat for an extended period of time.
• Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in this recipe, but you can also use other types of mushrooms, such as cremini or oyster mushrooms. Additionally, seafood can be used to add a unique twist to the dish.

Understanding Braising

The Basics of Braising

Braising is a cooking method that involves searing meat or vegetables in a hot pan and then simmering them in liquid until they are tender and flavourful. This method is popular in Chinese cuisine, where it is used to cook a variety of dishes, including braised chicken with mushrooms. Braising is a slow cooking method that requires patience, but the results are worth it.

To braise chicken, you need to first sear the chicken in a hot pan until it is browned. This step adds flavour and colour to the meat. Once the chicken is browned, you can add the mushrooms and other ingredients, such as soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Then, you need to add enough liquid to cover the chicken and simmer it until it is tender.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to braising, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. For braised chicken with mushrooms, you need to use bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, as they are more flavourful and tender than boneless chicken. You also need to use dried shiitake mushrooms, which have a meaty texture and a rich, earthy flavour.

In addition to chicken and mushrooms, you can also add other ingredients to your braised chicken, such as carrots, onions, and celery. These vegetables add flavour and nutrition to the dish. If you want to add more depth of flavour to your braised chicken, you can also use seafood, such as prawns or scallops. The seafood adds a sweet, briny flavour to the dish, and pairs well with the mushrooms and soy sauce.

Braised chicken with mushrooms is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cosy night in. By following the basics of braising and choosing the right ingredients, you can create a dish that is full of flavour and nutrition.

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Mushrooms and Their Role

Mushrooms are a key ingredient in Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms, adding a rich, earthy flavour to the dish. The most commonly used mushrooms in this recipe are dried shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms. Dried shiitake mushrooms have a meaty texture and a smoky flavour, while wood ear mushrooms have a crunchy texture and a mild flavour. If you cannot find these mushrooms, you can substitute them with fresh shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms.

Proteins: Chicken and Alternatives

Chicken is the primary protein used in this recipe, specifically chicken thigh which is tender and juicy. However, if you prefer pork, you can substitute the chicken with pork belly or pork shoulder. For a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or seitan instead of the chicken.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to add some seafood to your braised chicken with mushrooms, you can use prawns or scallops. They will add a subtle sweetness to the dish and pair well with the earthy flavours of the mushrooms. However, be careful not to overcook the seafood as it can become tough and rubbery.

The key ingredients in Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms are mushrooms, chicken thigh, soy sauce, and ginger. However, you can substitute these ingredients with pork, tofu, or seafood depending on your personal preference.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

Before starting to cook the braised chicken with mushrooms, it is important to marinate the chicken properly to ensure that it is flavourful and tender. To do this, you will need to combine the chicken with a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix the ingredients well and let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes before cooking.

Rehydrating Dried Mushrooms

One of the key ingredients in this recipe is dried shiitake mushrooms. To use them in the dish, you will need to rehydrate them first. To do this, soak the dried mushrooms in hot water for at least 30 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable. Once they are rehydrated, you can slice them and add them to the dish.

If you don't have dried shiitake mushrooms, you can also use fresh mushrooms, such as button mushrooms or oyster mushrooms. Alternatively, you can add some seafood to the dish, such as shrimp or scallops, to give it a seafood twist.

Mushroom Soaking Liquid

When rehydrating the dried mushrooms, be sure to save the soaking liquid. This liquid is full of flavour and can be used as a base for the sauce in the dish. Simply strain the liquid to remove any impurities and use it in place of some of the chicken broth or water in the recipe.

By using the mushroom soaking liquid, you can add an extra layer of depth and richness to the dish. It also helps to tie all the flavours together and make the dish more cohesive.

Preparing the chicken and mushrooms for this braised chicken with mushrooms recipe requires a bit of time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. With the right preparation techniques, you can create a dish that is full of flavour and sure to impress.

Cooking Process

Cooking in a Wok or Dutch Oven

To cook Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms, you can use either a wok or a Dutch oven. A wok is a traditional Chinese cooking pan that is ideal for stir-frying. A Dutch oven, on the other hand, is a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid that is ideal for slow-cooking stews and soups.

When cooking with a wok, heat up the oil until it starts to smoke, then add the ginger and stir-fry for about a minute. Then, add the chicken and stir-fry until it is browned. Add the soaked dried shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms and stir-fry for another couple of minutes. Finally, add water, salt, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar, and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender.

When cooking with a Dutch oven, heat up the oil over medium heat, then add the ginger and stir-fry for about a minute. Then, add the chicken and stir-fry until it is browned. Add the soaked dried shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms and stir-fry for another couple of minutes. Finally, add water, salt, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar, and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Managing Cooking Time and Temperature

To ensure that your Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms is cooked to perfection, you need to manage your cooking time and temperature carefully. The braising time for the chicken depends on the size of the chicken pieces. Generally, it takes about 20 minutes to braise chicken pieces that are about 2 inches in size.

It is important to maintain a low and steady temperature when braising the chicken. If the temperature is too high, the chicken will become tough and dry. If the temperature is too low, the chicken will not cook properly.

To enhance the flavor of your Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms, you can add seafood to the recipe. Seafood such as prawns or scallops can be added to the dish during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Make sure to use fresh seafood and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving and Pairing

Accompaniments and Side Dishes

Braised chicken with mushrooms is a hearty and flavourful dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments and side dishes. The most common and traditional pairing is steamed rice, which helps to absorb the delicious sauce and flavours of the dish. You can also pair it with noodles, which can be either stir-fried or boiled, depending on your preference.

To add some freshness and crunch to your meal, you can serve the braised chicken with a side of steamed or stir-fried green vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas. You can also garnish the dish with chopped scallions, which add a pop of colour and flavour.

If you're looking to add some seafood to the dish, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops to the braise. They will absorb the flavour of the sauce and add a unique texture to the dish.

Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving the braised chicken with mushrooms, presentation is key. You can serve it in a large bowl or platter and garnish it with some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to add some colour and freshness.

To make it more visually appealing, you can also arrange the chicken and mushrooms in a circular pattern, with the sauce poured over the top. This will make it look more like a restaurant-quality dish and impress your guests.

Indeed, braised chicken with mushrooms is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments and presented in a visually appealing way. Whether you're serving it with steamed rice, noodles, or green vegetables, it's sure to be a hit at your next home-cooked meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need for a simple Chinese-style braised chicken and mushroom dish?

To make a simple Chinese-style braised chicken and mushroom dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks
• Dried shiitake mushrooms
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Rice wine
• Sugar
• Water
• Cornstarch

How can I make a quick and easy braised chicken with mushrooms, Chinese style?

For a quick and easy Chinese-style braised chicken with mushrooms, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and canned mushrooms. Simply brown the chicken in a wok or large skillet, add the mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and water, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. You can also add some seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to the dish for extra flavour.

Could you suggest a good Chinese braised chicken and vegetables recipe that includes mushrooms?

One good Chinese braised chicken and vegetables recipe that includes mushrooms is a stir-fry with bok choy, carrots, and snow peas. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, and add shiitake mushrooms to the stir-fry. Simply stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in a wok with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, and a little bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

What's the best way to prepare braised chicken with mushrooms in a slow cooker, with a Chinese twist?

To prepare braised chicken with mushrooms in a slow cooker, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, and add shiitake mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and water to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You can also add some seafood, such as clams or mussels, to the slow cooker for added flavour.

How do I add potatoes to my Chinese braised chicken and mushroom recipe for extra heartiness?

To add potatoes to your Chinese braised chicken and mushroom recipe, simply peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and add them to the dish when you add the chicken and mushrooms. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure that the potatoes are cooked through.

What are the steps to creating a rich Chinese braised soy sauce chicken with mushrooms?

To create a rich Chinese braised soy sauce chicken with mushrooms, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks
• Dried shiitake mushrooms
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Rice wine
• Sugar
• Water
• Cornstarch

First, soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water until they are soft. Brown the chicken in a wok or large skillet, and then add the mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and water. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Mix a little bit of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and add it to the sauce to thicken it further. Serve with steamed rice and your favourite vegetables. You can also add some seafood, such as squid or prawns, to the dish for added flavour.