Pic Credit: christieathome.com
Mushroom Chicken is a famous dish made from soft chicken, mushroom, zucchini and decorated with ginger soy sauce. This dish is common to lovers of Chinese American food and is usually preferred due to its low calories as compared to other fast foods.
It can be much appreciated and easily prepared at home, and not only is it served hot and new, but the ingredients used in it can also be controlled to be healthier for consumption.
In this guide we will discuss in detail how you can make your own version of the Panda Express Mushroom Chicken dish without by passing taste and effort.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 cups (200 g) white mushrooms (or cremini)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Marinating Time: Champion says that the chicken should be left to marinate for at least twenty minutes so that it can soak up the taste and become soft. Best results when marinated for at least 1 night in the refrigerator.
- Slicing Chicken: Slice the chicken breast crosswise to tenderize the juicy chicken and avoid making it rubber like when cooked.
- Cooking Temperature: When frying the chicken, set the heat just a little high so that the chicken will be tender and brown on outside without being overcook. Take care when cooking because it will take very little time.
- Vegetable Preparation: Make sure that Zucchini and mushrooms are chopped into equal sizes so that they cook properly. It also helps in attaining the right texture in the preparation of the dish at large.
- Sauce Preparation: Mix the sauce ingredients well before introducing them to the pan, cornstarch will tend to settle at the base, thus making your sauce to be of a different consistency.
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Chicken Selection: However, chicken becoming tenderized when pounded, it is recommended; but chicken breast can be replaced with boneless skinless chicken thighs, for flavor and moistness.
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Zucchini Alternatives: Other vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli may be used for different flavor or as a source of more nutrients.
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Soy Sauce Variations: The low-sodium soy sauce may be used in case you want to reduce your salt consumption.
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Oyster Sauce Substitute: If you do not have oyster sauce you can opt for hoisin sauce or skip it for a vegetarian dish.
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Ginger Freshness: Real ginger root is preferred to ground ginger mainly because they differ in taste; however, ground ginger is acceptable even under such circumstances.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl place chicken slices with soy sauce, vegetable oil, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, and baking soda. Add the last pieces and stir until the pieces are all covering themselves with the compound. Pick up and let marinate for at least 20 minutes, or preferably, for several hours or until overnight in a refrigerator for better flavor.
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Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger and brown sugar. Set aside for later use.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat half of the vegetable oil for 2 tablespoons over the medium-high heat. After bringing it to the boil add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes and then turn the patties over and grill for further 2-3 minutes until the patties are cooked through. Chicken, brown and cooked to your desired, should be transferred to another plate or bowl.
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Sauté Vegetables: In the same frying pan sauté 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir in sliced zucchini and mushrooms and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until they slightly softened. After that pour quarter cup water to help steam the vegetables until it becomes tender tender but crunchy.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Place the cooked chicken back to the pan with vegetables. Next in the process pour the prepared stir fry sauce well and mix it. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is hot through, and the sauce is slightly more viscous.
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Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Add More Vegetables: I also added several more vegetables such as bell peppers and snap peas but you can add as many vegetables as you prefer.
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Spice It Up: If you like spicy cuisine, you might add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the stir fry sauce, in order to make it even spicier.
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Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut amines in place of soy sauce in case you are looking for a gluten-free version of this dish.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for 3 days covered; always reheat before eating.
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Serving Suggestions: Best served alongside jasmine rice, however for a low carb and paleo dish, boil cauliflower and mash it to form ‘rice’.
EQUIPMENT
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Large skillet or wok
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring spoons
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Cutting board
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Chef's knife
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Spatula
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
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Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
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Pair with Rice or Noodles: Serve alongside jasmine rice or lo Mein noodles to complement the dish's flavors perfectly.
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Fresh Herbs Addition: Adding chopped green onions or cilantro as garnishes can provide freshness and color to your dish.
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Serve Hot: Ensure that Mushroom Chicken is served immediately after cooking while it's hot for optimal taste and texture.
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Accompanying Dishes: Consider serving with spring rolls or an Asian-style salad as appetizers for a complete meal experience.
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful meal, check out this easy Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich recipe.
