Chinese Braised Chicken with Mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish where tender chicken is braised with mushrooms in a savory sauce. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic gives the dish its aromatic richness, while the mushrooms add depth and umami. It’s perfect when served over steamed rice, making it a hearty, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (or boneless if preferred)

• 1 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes, then drained and sliced (or fresh shiitake mushrooms)

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (for color)

• 1 tablespoon rice wine or Shaoxing wine

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3-4 dried Chinese red dates (optional)

• 2 cups chicken stock or water

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Mushrooms:
   If using bone-in chicken, rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry. If using fresh mushrooms, slice them and set aside. If using dried mushrooms, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain and slice.

2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat the sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear both sides until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same pot, add the ginger, garlic, and green onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
   Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, oyster sauce, sugar, cinnamon stick, and dried dates (if using). Pour in the chicken stock or water and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Braised Chicken:
   Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin side up. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring it back to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken braise for 45-60 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through.

6. Final Touches:
   Once the chicken is tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the cinnamon stick.

7. Serve:
   Serve the braised chicken with the mushrooms and sauce over steamed rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~350 per serving

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

This dish is deeply flavorful, with tender chicken and umami-packed mushrooms. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special meal. Enjoy!

The History and Appeal of Chinese Braised Dishes

Braised dishes are a cornerstone of Chinese cooking, a technique that involves cooking food in a flavorful liquid over low heat for an extended period. The process allows meats to tenderize while absorbing the flavors of the sauce, creating rich, savory dishes. This technique is especially popular in Chinese regional cuisines, where ingredients such as soy sauce, rice wine, and oyster sauce are used to develop complex flavor profiles.

In Chinese culture, braised dishes are often reserved for special occasions, family gatherings, or even holidays, as they are seen as an expression of warmth and hospitality. The slow cooking process makes braised dishes a wonderful option for busy cooks, as the meal essentially prepares itself while the flavors develop. Chinese Braised Chicken with Mushrooms embodies these qualities, making it a dish that’s both delicious and meaningful, perfect for any occasion.

The Key Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mushrooms, and Aromatics

The key to a successful Chinese Braised Chicken with Mushrooms lies in the marinade and the aromatic ingredients that flavor the dish. Each component contributes a unique element to the dish:

• Chicken Thighs: The choice of chicken thighs, either bone-in or boneless, ensures that the dish remains tender and flavorful. Bone-in thighs, in particular, release more flavor during the braising process, contributing to the richness of the sauce.

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a cornerstone of many Chinese dishes, providing the umami-rich base for the braising liquid. Regular soy sauce gives saltiness, while dark soy sauce adds color and a deeper, slightly sweeter flavor.

• Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms, whether dried or fresh, are the perfect addition to this dish. Dried shiitake mushrooms, after being soaked in warm water, release an intense, earthy umami flavor that elevates the braising sauce. Fresh shiitakes add an additional layer of texture and flavor to the dish.

• Aromatics: Ginger, garlic, and green onions provide the base for the sauce’s fragrant, aromatic qualities. These ingredients are stir-fried in sesame oil before the chicken and mushrooms are added, creating a foundation of flavor that permeates the dish.

• Oyster Sauce and Rice Wine: Oyster sauce introduces sweetness and depth, balancing the salty soy sauce, while rice wine (or Shaoxing wine) adds a subtle richness and complexity to the overall flavor.

The Braising Process: Tender Chicken and Flavorful Sauce

The process of braising is what sets this dish apart. The chicken is seared first to develop a crispy, golden exterior, which locks in juices and flavor. Afterward, the aromatics are sautéed, releasing their oils and fragrances into the pot. Adding the mushrooms allows them to absorb the flavors of the aromatics, while the soy sauce and other seasonings are mixed to form the braising liquid.

Once the chicken is added back into the pot, the mixture is brought to a simmer, and the chicken is braised slowly over low heat. This slow cooking method helps the chicken become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the sauce reduces and thickens, concentrating its flavors. The mushrooms contribute their rich umami flavor to the sauce, making it deep and complex.

One of the unique features of this dish is the use of Chinese red dates, which are optional but highly recommended. These dates add a subtle sweetness and balance out the savory elements, adding to the depth of the braising liquid. Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, the sauce can be adjusted with salt and pepper, ensuring that it hits all the right flavor notes.

Searing and Sautéing: Building Layers of Flavor

The initial searing of the chicken is an essential step in developing flavor. By cooking the chicken in sesame oil until golden brown, the skin crisps up and releases fat, which enriches the braising liquid. This step also helps develop the Maillard reaction, creating additional savory notes that enhance the final dish.

Sautéing the aromatics—ginger, garlic, and green onions—releases their essential oils, filling the kitchen with a fragrant aroma that promises a flavorful meal. Adding the sliced mushrooms to the pot allows them to soak up the aromatic oils before the braising liquids are introduced. The rich, meaty texture of shiitake mushrooms pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, adding a deep umami flavor that lingers in every bite.

Adjusting the Sauce: Ensuring Perfect Seasoning

Once the chicken is tender, it’s important to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Depending on personal preference, you may want to add more salt, pepper, or a touch more sugar to balance the flavors. The braising liquid should have a good balance of salty, sweet, and umami notes, and the sauce should coat the chicken and mushrooms beautifully without being too thin or too thick.

The addition of fresh cilantro or green onions as a garnish adds a burst of freshness and color, making the dish even more appealing. This small step elevates the visual appeal of the dish and enhances its aromatic qualities.

Serving Chinese Braised Chicken with Mushrooms

This dish is traditionally served over steamed rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment. The rice balances the rich, savory flavor of the chicken and mushrooms while providing a neutral base that enhances the overall experience. You can also serve this dish alongside other Chinese dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables or pickled vegetables, to create a well-rounded meal.

Chinese Braised Chicken with Mushrooms is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter night or serving it for a family dinner, this dish offers comfort and flavor in every bite. The tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and savory sauce create a memorable meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Conclusion

Chinese Braised Chicken with Mushrooms is a flavorful and comforting dish that showcases the beauty of Chinese braising techniques. The combination of tender chicken, rich mushrooms, and a savory, aromatic sauce makes for a hearty meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying textures. With a balance of umami, sweetness, and spice, it’s a dish that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home.