This Ginger Chicken with Mushrooms and Noodles is a flavorful, quick, and easy dinner option that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It features tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and soft noodles tossed in a fragrant ginger-garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it’s light yet satisfying, and comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
-
400g (approx. 14 oz) chicken breast, thinly sliced
-
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
-
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
-
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
200g (approx. 7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
-
200g (approx. 7 oz) egg noodles, cooked
-
1 small onion, sliced
-
1 spring onion, chopped (for garnish)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Low-calorie cooking spray or a small amount of oil
Directions
-
Spray a large pan or wok with low-calorie spray and heat over medium-high heat.
-
Add the sliced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
-
Add the ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
-
Stir in the chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through.
-
Add mushrooms and continue to stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
-
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
-
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and mushrooms. Toss to coat evenly.
-
Add cooked noodles to the pan and mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.
Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)
-
Calories: 370
-
Protein: 35 g
-
Carbohydrates: 32 g
-
Fat: 12 g
-
Fiber: 3 g
-
Sugar: 6 g
-
Sodium: 800 mg
Why Ginger Chicken with Mushrooms and Noodles Works So Well
This recipe is a great balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a wholesome, satisfying meal. The chicken provides lean protein, while the mushrooms add an earthy, savory depth. The noodles are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the aromatic ginger-garlic sauce, making each bite flavorful and comforting.
The best part? This dish is highly customizable. You can swap in different vegetables or noodles based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Plus, it comes together so quickly, you can prepare it even on the busiest evenings.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients for this dish:
-
Chicken Breast: The lean protein in this dish is tender and flavorful. Slicing the chicken thinly allows it to cook quickly and absorb all the delicious sauce.
-
Ginger and Garlic: These two aromatics form the backbone of the sauce. Fresh ginger adds a bit of spice and warmth, while garlic adds a savory depth of flavor.
-
Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Hoisin Sauce: These three sauces create a well-rounded, umami-packed sauce. The soy sauce adds saltiness, the oyster sauce gives it richness, and the hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness.
-
Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy note to balance the richness of the sauces and bring some freshness to the dish.
-
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil infuses the dish with a warm, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
-
Mushrooms and Noodles: The mushrooms add a hearty, earthy flavor and texture, while the noodles soak up all the sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying base.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ginger Chicken with Mushrooms and Noodles
-
Prepare the Pan: Begin by spraying a large pan or wok with low-calorie cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the vegetables sauté perfectly.
-
Sauté the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften. This will bring out their natural sweetness and make the base of your dish aromatic.
-
Cook the Garlic and Ginger: Add the grated fresh ginger and minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. This step allows the aromatics to infuse the oil and form the foundation of the sauce.
-
Cook the Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook it until it’s lightly browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken should absorb the flavors of the ginger and garlic as it cooks.
-
Add the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté for about 5 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture and shrink, adding a savory depth to the dish.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This sauce will be poured over the chicken and mushrooms, adding a rich, tangy, and savory flavor.
-
Combine the Sauce and Noodles: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and mushrooms, tossing everything together until the chicken and mushrooms are evenly coated. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir to combine all the ingredients. Make sure everything is well-mixed and heated through.
-
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped spring onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why This Dish is So Healthy
This Ginger Chicken with Mushrooms and Noodles is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
-
High Protein: With 35 grams of protein per serving, this dish provides a substantial amount of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
-
Low in Fat: Using lean chicken breast and a small amount of sesame oil keeps the fat content moderate, making it a healthier alternative to many takeout options.
-
Packed with Veggies: The mushrooms, onions, and optional spring onions add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced meal.
-
Customizable: You can easily swap out the noodles for a lower-carb option like zucchini noodles or gluten-free noodles if needed.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with some side dishes or toppings:
-
Side Salad: A light side salad with a tangy dressing would complement the savory flavors of the chicken and noodles.
-
Steamed Vegetables: Serve the dish with some steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for added nutrients.
-
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro, basil, or mint for a burst of freshness that will complement the rich, savory flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well:
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the dish moist. You can also microwave it, but reheating on the stovetop will help maintain the texture of the noodles and chicken.
Conclusion: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner
In conclusion, Ginger Chicken with Mushrooms and Noodles is a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes. The tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and fragrant ginger-garlic sauce come together to create a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a simple list of ingredients, this meal is not only delicious but also nutritious and versatile, making it easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!