Name: Takeout Style Chinese Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts; 1½ tablespoon baking soda (bicarb of soda); 2½ cups sliced mushrooms; 1 clove garlic, sliced; 2 green onions (scallions), chopped into 2-inch (5 cm) chunks; 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended); ¾ cup cold chicken stock or broth; 2 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry as substitute); 2 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon oyster sauce; 2 teaspoon sesame oil; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar

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Introduction

This takeout style Chinese chicken and mushrooms recipe brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luscious sauce, it’s quick and satisfying for any weeknight meal.

A white round plate filled with a one-layer dish of bite-sized cooked chicken pieces and sliced mushrooms coated in a shiny brown sauce, mixed with vibrant green vegetable pieces scattered evenly. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface with a black bowl of white rice slightly visible on the top left and a pair of black chopsticks placed diagonally on the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts
1½ tablespoons bicarb of soda (baking soda)
2½ cups sliced mushrooms
1 clove garlic
2 green onions
1 tablespoon oil
¾ cup cold chicken stock/broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
¼ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the chicken into thin strips across the grain. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with the bicarb of soda, and stir gently to coat. Cover and let marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Rinse the chicken thoroughly to remove all baking soda, then pat dry with kitchen paper.
Step 3: In a large measuring cup, combine all the sauce ingredients. Stir well, ensuring the chicken broth is cold to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Heat oil in a heavy-based frying pan over high heat. Chop green onions into 2-inch pieces and stir-fry in the hot oil for 1 minute to infuse flavor.
Step 5: Add the chicken strips and stir constantly for 2 minutes until partially cooked.
Step 6: Add mushrooms and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Step 7: Add the minced garlic and stir continuously for 1 minute.
Step 8: Stir the prepared sauce again, then pour it into the pan. Stir quickly as the sauce thickens to coat the chicken and mushrooms evenly.
Step 9: Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

Use dry sherry if you cannot find Chinese cooking wine.
Adjust cornstarch quantity to control sauce thickness: 3 tablespoons for a thick coat, or 1 tablespoon for a lighter sauce.
Thoroughly rinse the chicken after marinating to avoid a bitter baking soda taste.
Green onions are also known as scallions or spring onions depending on your region.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a glossy stir-fry dish of several thick, light brown chicken pieces mixed with sliced mushrooms, their smooth light beige insides and brown edges visible, and bright green asparagus segments, all coated in a shiny dark brown sauce. The bowl sits on a beige textured cloth atop a white marbled surface, with a pair of black chopsticks resting on the right side of the bowl and a small white bowl of white rice partially visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why do I need to use baking soda on the chicken?

Baking soda tenderizes the chicken by breaking down proteins, resulting in a soft and juicy texture similar to Chinese takeout. Just remember to rinse it off well to avoid any off-flavors.

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes, feel free to substitute button mushrooms with shiitake, cremini, or any mushrooms you prefer. Just slice them similarly and adjust cooking time as needed.