Nothing beats the comforting warmth of a hearty stew on a chilly evening, and this Chicken & Mushroom Stew recipe is the perfect antidote to the winter blues. Imagine tender chunks of chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth, alongside earthy mushrooms and a medley of aromatic vegetables. This isn't your grandmother's stew; we've elevated the classic with a few modern twists to create a dish that's both satisfying and sophisticated, yet surprisingly simple to make. It's the kind of meal that's perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a quick weeknight dinner.
This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to create maximum flavour with minimal fuss. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and visually appealing result every time. Ready to dive into the simple, step-by-step process and create your own bowl of comforting Chicken & Mushroom Stew? Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Wok
- Lid
Ingredients
- Free-range chicken parts: 500-600 grams
- Rehydrated shiitake mushrooms: null
- Young ginger: a few pieces
- Garlic: null
- Cooking oil: null
- Shaoxing rice wine (optional): null
- Light soy sauce: null
- Oyster sauce: a bit
- White pepper: a few dashes
- Salt: a bit
- Sugar: a bit
- Dark soy sauce (optional): a bit
- Water: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
- Sauté ginger and garlic in a wok with oil for 1-2 minutes.
- Add rehydrated shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 1-2 minutes to release their flavor.
- marinate chicken with Shaoxing rice wine and light soy sauce beforehand) to the wok. Char the chicken for about 30-40 seconds on each side.
Step 2. Season and Simmer
- Add Shaoxing rice wine, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, white pepper, salt, and sugar.
- Add dark soy sauce (optional) for a darker color. Avoid adding too much as it can make the stew bitter.
- Add water (including the shiitake mushroom soaking liquid) and bring to a boil.
- Cover the wok, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Check if the sauce has reduced and thickened. Add more water if necessary.
Step 3. Finishing Touches
- Optionally add a little salty wine before serving for extra flavor.
Read more: Vegan Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim): Easy Korean Recipe
Tips
- Using thicker shiitake mushrooms results in a better taste.
- Young ginger is used here; older ginger is more suitable for this dish but there are no hard and fast rules.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the stew. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen chicken will take longer to cook through.
2. What can I substitute for the mushrooms?
Cremini mushrooms are ideal, but you can use any kind you like – button mushrooms, shiitake, or even a mix! If you don't have mushrooms, you can omit them or substitute with other vegetables like carrots or celery.
This Easy Chicken & Mushroom Stew is a testament to the fact that delicious, home-cooked meals don't have to be complicated. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the satisfaction of creating a heartwarming dish from scratch. Now go ahead and savor every spoonful of this simple yet satisfying stew!