If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines bold flavor, vibrant colors, and a satisfying punch of protein, this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a garlicky sauce that clings beautifully to every bite, it’s a quick and easy way to bring a restaurant-quality stir-fry right into your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a wholesome dinner that’s ready in just about 25 minutes, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes like a charm, making it a true weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe plays a starring role, contributing essential flavors and textures that make each mouthful memorable. From the tender chicken to the crunchy vegetables and the perfectly balanced sauces, together they create an irresistible symphony of taste and color.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and juicy tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for stir-frying with a high smoke point.
- 1 cup mushrooms: Sliced to add an earthy richness and meaty texture.
- 1 red bell pepper: Thinly sliced to introduce a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 medium onion: Thinly sliced for natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced for that unmistakable fragrant kick throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami backbone that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Offers a lightly smoky sweetness, enhancing the sauce complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Just a drizzle to impart a toasted nuttiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: For gentle heat and seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a bit of fiery kick if you like heat.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the stir-fry juicy with a mild savory backdrop.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: The secret to a glossy sauce with perfect thickness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro: Chopped as a bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish.
- Cooked rice: To serve and soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Make Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and stir occasionally, letting the pieces brown and cook through evenly. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate – this keeps it from overcooking while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same skillet (so you get all those savory browned bits), toss in the mushrooms, red bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry these vegetables for around 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender yet retain a slight bite and have a gorgeous golden sear. This layering of flavors is what makes the Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe so vibrant!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sauce
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it just for 30 seconds until it perfumes the air but doesn’t burn — garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. While that’s happening, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over your sizzling veggies and stir well to coat every piece.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the chicken broth. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to meld with the ingredients and reduce slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential for that rich, flavorful sauce that clings to each bite in your Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Finish
Mix your cornstarch and water slurry thoroughly and slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring. In 1 to 2 minutes, the sauce should thicken beautifully, creating a glossy, irresistible coating. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh, bright lift before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a wonderful pop of green and a burst of herbal freshness. For an extra touch, toast some sesame seeds or add finely sliced green onions to enhance both texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, as the grains lovingly absorb the saucy goodness. For a low-carb spin, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside simple garlic noodles. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette also balances out the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the stir-fry family-style in a large vibrant bowl surrounded by bowls of rice and toppings like sliced avocado, chopped peanuts, or lime wedges. You could also stuff the stir-fry inside lettuce cups for a fun handheld option that’s both fresh and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store your leftover Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it before sealing to keep flavors fresh and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save the stir-fry for longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the chicken and vegetables, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the best flavor and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! Button mushrooms work great, but feel free to experiment with cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms to add different earthy nuances to your Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use hoisin sauce alone or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar to mimic its sweet-savory flavor, though the taste will be slightly different.
Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. You’ll still enjoy the fantastic garlic mushroom flavor!
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes which are optional, so you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking—from mild and comforting to a little fiery kick.
What type of rice pairs best with this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe?
Long-grain white rice is a classic choice, but jasmine or basmati rice adds wonderful fragrance. Brown rice is a healthier, nuttier option that complements the dish equally well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and unbelievably tasty about this Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe that it quickly turns into a favorite for any night of the week. With its harmonious blend of savory sauces, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to recipe whenever you want a fast, flavorful feast you can feel good about!
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 recipe featuring tender chicken breasts and fresh vegetables tossed in a savory sauce with garlic and Asian-inspired seasonings, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 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)
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Combine chicken and broth: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Thicken sauce: Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, add it to the skillet, and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for no spice.
- Make sure to slice chicken thinly for quick and even cooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
- Vegetables can be swapped or added based on preference, such as snap peas or broccoli.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
