Flavourful Fusion: Savoury Chinese Chicken and Mushroom Recipe

If you're looking for a comforting and flavourful Chinese dish to cook at home, braised chicken with mushrooms is a great option. This classic northern Chinese recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients like dried shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, and ginger. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, while the mushrooms add a rich umami flavour to the dish.

To make braised chicken with mushrooms, you'll need to soak the dried shiitake mushrooms until they're fully hydrated. Then, you'll brown the chicken in a wok or pot with some ginger and garlic before adding the mushrooms and braising them in a soy sauce-based sauce. The result is a savoury and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with adding seafood to your braised chicken and mushroom recipe. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this dish, adding a sweet and delicate flavour to the savoury chicken and mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the seafood is fully cooked through.

Key Takeaways

• Braised chicken with mushrooms is a comforting and flavourful Chinese dish that's easy to make at home.
• Soaking the dried shiitake mushrooms and browning the chicken are key preparation steps for this recipe.
• Seafood like shrimp or scallops can be added to the dish to add a sweet and delicate flavour.

Essential Ingredients

To make a delicious Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms, you will need a few essential ingredients. These include the main components, aromatics and spices, and sauces and seasonings.

Main Components

The main components of this dish are chicken and mushrooms. For the best flavour and texture, it is recommended to use bone-in chicken pieces such as wings, thighs, or drumsticks. Dried shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in this recipe, but you can also use fresh mushrooms such as button or shimeji mushrooms.

Aromatics and Spices

Aromatics and spices are essential to add depth and complexity to the dish. Ginger, garlic, and scallions are commonly used aromatics in Chinese cuisine. Star anise is a popular spice that adds a distinct aniseed flavour to the dish. You can also add other spices such as cinnamon or cloves for additional flavour.

Sauces and Seasonings

Sauces and seasonings are crucial to add savoury and umami notes to the dish. Soy sauce, both light and dark, is commonly used in this recipe. Oyster sauce is another popular ingredient that adds a rich and savoury flavour. Sugar and salt are used to balance the flavours, while sesame oil and Shaoxing wine add depth and aroma to the dish.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood such as prawns or scallops to the dish. They will add a sweet and delicate flavour that complements the chicken and mushrooms. However, it is recommended to use seafood that is sustainable and fresh, such as farmed prawns or scallops from a reputable source.

By using these essential ingredients and adding seafood if desired, you can create a delicious and flavourful Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms that will impress your family and friends.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

Before cooking, marinating the chicken is essential to ensure that it is full of flavour. You can marinate chicken thighs or chicken wings for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. You can also add garlic and ginger for an extra kick of flavour. Once marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with a paper towel.

Rehydrating Mushrooms

Dried shiitake mushrooms are a key ingredient in this recipe. To rehydrate them, soak them in hot water for at least 30 minutes until they are soft and plump. Save the mushroom soaking water as it will be used later in the recipe. Once the mushrooms are rehydrated, remove them from the water, squeeze out any excess water, and slice them.

Braising Basics

Braising is a cooking technique that involves browning the meat in oil and then simmering it in liquid over low heat. For this recipe, you can use a wok or a Dutch oven to braise the chicken and mushrooms. Heat the oil in the wok or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the chicken. Keep stirring until the chicken is browned, and then add the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms. Stir to coat the chicken and mushrooms. Add the mushroom soaking water and enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring the stew to a boil and then lower heat to simmer for about 45 minutes. Turn the chicken and mushrooms from time to time to ensure that they absorb the sauce.

If you want to add seafood to this recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the wok or Dutch oven in the last 5-10 minutes of braising time. This will give the seafood enough time to cook without becoming overcooked.

Cooking Process

Cooking in Stages

To start, heat some cooking oil in a wok over medium heat. Add ginger and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then turn up the heat to high and add the chicken. Keep stirring until the chicken is browned, and add the soaked dried shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms. Keep stirring for another couple of minutes.

Next, add some warm water to the wok and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and juicy. If you wish to add seafood to the recipe, you can use prawns or squid.

Thickening the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the wok and set it aside. Add some cornstarch to the remaining liquid in the wok and stir until it dissolves. This will help thicken the sauce.

Keep stirring the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some warm water to thin it out.

Final Touches

Once the sauce has thickened, add the chicken back to the wok and stir to coat it in the gravy. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

Serve the braised chicken with mushrooms hot with rice or noodles. Garnish with some chopped spring onions for a pop of colour and freshness.

This recipe is a great way to enjoy succulent and juicy chicken with a rich and flavourful gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

When serving Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms, it is best to pair it with a side of steamed rice. The rice will help soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the flavour of the dish. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken with noodles, which will also complement the dish well.

It is also a good idea to serve a green vegetable on the side, such as steamed broccoli or bok choy. This will add some freshness to the meal and balance out the rich flavours of the chicken and mushrooms.

Garnishing

To add some extra flavour and texture to the dish, you can garnish it with some chopped spring onions. This will provide a subtle onion flavour and a pop of colour to the dish. Alternatively, you can use green onion as a garnish, which will add a milder onion flavour.

If you want to take the dish to the next level, you can also add some seafood to the braised chicken and mushrooms. Prawns or scallops would be a great addition to the dish, adding a sweet and savoury flavour to the mix. Make sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the dish towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

Nutritional Information

If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms is a great option. This dish is packed with flavour, and it's also rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

One serving of Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake. The dish is also low in carbohydrates, with only around 10 grams per serving. This makes it a good option for those who are following a low-carb diet.

One thing to keep in mind when making this dish is that it can be quite high in sodium. The soy sauce and other seasonings used in the recipe can add up quickly, so it's important to use them in moderation. If you're looking to reduce your sodium intake, you can try using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount of salt in the recipe.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms is a rich dish. The braising process allows the chicken to absorb all of the flavours in the sauce, resulting in a dish that is packed with umami. If you're looking to add even more depth of flavour to the dish, you can consider adding some seafood. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition, and they would also add some additional protein to the dish.

In conclusion, Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavour and high protein content, it's a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make a Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms?

The simplest way to make a Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms is to use chicken thighs or drumsticks, dried shiitake mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and water. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and brown them in a pan before adding the mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Then, add the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and water, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

How can you adapt a Chinese braised chicken recipe to include more veggies?

You can add more veggies to a Chinese braised chicken recipe by including carrots, onions, bell peppers, or bok choy. Simply cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan along with the chicken and mushrooms. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or scallops to the dish for more variety.

Can you use a slow cooker for making Chinese braised chicken and mushrooms, and if so, how?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make Chinese braised chicken and mushrooms. Simply place the chicken, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and water in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You can also add veggies or seafood to the slow cooker for added flavour and nutrition.

What are the steps to creating a Teochew-style braised chicken?

To create a Teochew-style braised chicken, you will need chicken, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rock sugar, and water. First, brown the chicken in a pan before adding the mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Then, add the soy sauce, rock sugar, and water, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Teochew-style braised chicken is usually served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables.

How do you add potatoes to a braised chicken and mushroom dish?

To add potatoes to a braised chicken and mushroom dish, simply peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan along with the chicken and mushrooms. You may need to add extra water or broth to the dish to ensure that the potatoes are fully cooked.

What's the calorie count for a typical serving of Chinese braised chicken?

The calorie count for a typical serving of Chinese braised chicken depends on the ingredients used and the portion size. However, a serving of Chinese braised chicken with mushrooms is generally between 200-300 calories per serving. If you're looking to reduce the calorie count, consider using skinless chicken and reducing the amount of sugar used in the recipe.