a bite was priceless! They couldn’t believe that something so delicious could come together in such a short time. It’s one of those recipes that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight while still being something you can feel proud to serve.
What I love most about this Healthy Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry is how adaptable it is. You can swap in different proteins or veggies depending on what you have on hand, and it still tastes fantastic. Plus, mushrooms add a lovely umami flavor that’s simply irresistible! Now, let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
What’s in Healthy Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry?
– Chicken Breast: A lean protein source that’s perfect for keeping our meals healthy. I always go for organic, free-range chicken if I can find it because it tastes better and supports better farming practices.
– Mushrooms: I usually use cremini or button mushrooms, but feel free to explore other varieties like shiitake or portobello! They add a delicious depth of flavor and are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.
– Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat that adds richness to the dish. I prefer extra-virgin for its fantastic flavor and health benefits.
– Garlic: Seriously, is there anything garlic can’t make better? Not only does it contribute a fantastic aroma, but it also has immune-boosting properties.
– Ginger: This one is optional, but I highly recommend it! Ginger gives a lovely warmth to the dish while aiding digestion.
– Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: A flavorful base for the sauce that keeps things light and healthy. You can also use homemade broth if you have some on hand.
– Soy Sauce (or Tamari): This adds that savory umami punch. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a great alternative.
– Cornstarch: A little thickening agent to make the sauce sooo deliciously saucy without adding unnecessary calories.
– Sesame Oil: A drizzle of this fragrant oil at the end makes everything taste so gourmet!
– Fresh Thyme: Whether fresh or dried, thyme adds a lovely herbaceous note.
– Black Pepper: A straightforward seasoning that helps enhance the flavors of the dish.
– Salt: Just to taste, because we want to keep it healthy but flavorful.
– Chopped Fresh Parsley: For a lovely pop of color and a fresh taste to garnish.
Is Healthy Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! This stir-fry is not just easy to make; it’s also full of health benefits. For instance, the chicken breast provides a stellar source of lean protein, which is great if you’re looking to build or maintain muscle.
The mushrooms are packed with nutrients, including vitamin D and B vitamins, and they have been linked to supporting a healthy immune system. By using low-sodium chicken broth and adding your own seasonings, you can control the salt levels, making this a heart-healthy choice.
And let’s not forget about ginger and garlic. Both are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost your overall health. As with any recipe, just watch the portion sizes if you’re keeping an eye on your carbs. If you’re serving it with rice or quinoa, adjust accordingly!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
– 8 ounces mushrooms (e.g., cremini or button), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, grated (optional)
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
This recipe serves about 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Healthy Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry?
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are browned and tender.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the mushrooms and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the skillet while stirring, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the sesame oil and thyme. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, over rice or quinoa if desired.
Enjoy your Healthy Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry!
Delicious Serving Suggestions and Tips!
– Feel free to make this dish your own! You could toss in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch and color.
– For an extra kick, add a splash of spicy chili sauce or some red pepper flakes!
– This stir-fry also pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing salad to balance out the meal.
– Don’t shy away from meal prepping this recipe! It holds up wonderfully for meal preps and can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
And there you have it! I hope you give this Healthy Mushroom Chicken Stir-Fry a try. It’s one of my favorite quick meals, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Let me know your twist on it, or if you’ve got any tricks up your sleeve for making stir-fries even better! Happy cooking!
