Here’s a healthy and delicious meal with an umami-packed sauce that goes perfect with rice! This Braised Shiitake Mushroom Chicken combines the rich umami taste of shiitake mushrooms with tender chicken, aromatic shallots and ginger, and a savory sauce that makes me have multiple servings of rice!
At the heart of this dish is the humble chicken. Consider using bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks for a richer, more succulent taste. Shiitake mushrooms, often referred to as the “steak of the vegetarian world,” are prized for their intense, earthy flavor and meaty texture. When braised, they soak up the savory sauce, infusing the dish with their unique taste.
Shallots and ginger add aromatic depth to the dish. Shallots, with their mild onion-like flavor, complement the umami-rich mushrooms and chicken perfectly. Meanwhile, ginger adds a subtle heat and brightens up the entire dish with its zesty, citrusy notes.
The key to the incredible flavor of Braised Shiitake Mushroom Chicken lies in the marination process. As the chicken and mushrooms soak in the flavorful sauce, they absorb the essence of oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, and a touch of cornstarch for thickening. This step allows the proteins to tenderize and ensures that each bite bursts with a delightful fusion of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
Braising is a cooking technique that combines both dry and wet heat. In this recipe, it involves sautéing the shallots and ginger until they release their delightful fragrance, followed by the addition of the marinated chicken and mushrooms. Covering the pan and simmering the ingredients together allows the flavors to meld, creating a rich and luscious sauce that envelops the chicken and mushrooms. This slow-cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes fork-tender, while the shiitake mushrooms become a flavor powerhouse.
A dash of fresh green spring onions is the perfect finishing touch to this dish. Not only do they add a vibrant pop of color, but they also provide a mild, fresh onion flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chicken and mushrooms. It’s both visually appealing and a burst of freshness in each bite.
Braised Shiitake Mushroom Chicken brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with that lovely sauce that my family (both kids and adults) absolutely adore. From the succulent chicken to the earthy shiitake mushrooms, the aromatic shallots and ginger, and the savory sauce that ties it all together, this is a super easy recipe that will satisfy friends and family alike. So let’s get to it!
Watch How To Make It
Braised Shiitake Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/2 chicken
- 4 shallots
- 1 inch ginger
- 6 shiitake mushrooms
- spring onions garnish
Sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Cut up the chicken, mushrooms, shallots, shiitake mushrooms and ginger.
- Marinate the chicken and mushrooms with the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté the shallots and ginger until fragrant, then pour in the marinated chicken and mushrooms. Cover and braise it for 20 minutes over medium heat.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve!