Chicken Beijing

Chicken Beijing Recipe - Authentic Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Beijing is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips with crisp broccoli and a tangy orange sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

History

Chicken Beijing is a popular Chinese-American dish that has been enjoyed for many years. It is believed to have originated in Beijing, China, where it was traditionally made with chicken, broccoli, and a savory orange sauce. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include different variations and ingredients.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 0.25 inch thick strips
2 cups broccoli flowerets
0.75 cup orange juice
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp ground ginger
1 package (4- to 6 oz (170 g)) chicken-flavored seasoned rice mix, prepared according to package directions

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Add the chicken and cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink.
Add the broccoli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken is beginning to brown and the broccoli is tender.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the orange juice, garlic powder, and ginger. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the liquid is slightly reduced.
Stir in the rice and serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
Add pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges for a sweet and tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.

- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or water chestnuts for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Beijing over steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal.

- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key technique used in this recipe to quickly cook the chicken and vegetables over high heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or pork loin instead of chicken breasts for a different flavor and texture.

- Substitute orange juice with pineapple juice or lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Beijing in a large serving bowl or on individual plates garnished with fresh cilantro or basil leaves.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Beijing with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Chicken Beijing is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and fats, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Chicken Beijing is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, this recipe is a healthy and satisfying option for any occasion. Enjoy the flavors of Beijing in the comfort of your own home with this tasty dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Beijing. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a trip to China where I had the opportunity to taste some of the most delicious and flavorful dishes I had ever experienced. As soon as I returned home, I was determined to recreate those flavors in my own kitchen.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and over the years I had collected a multitude of recipes from various places and people. But there was something special about the cuisine I had tasted in Beijing that I couldn't quite put my finger on. The combination of flavors, the balance of sweet and savory, the aromatic spices - it was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As I poured over the recipe for Chicken Beijing, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for my time in China. The recipe called for simple ingredients - chicken, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a few other key seasonings. But it was the method of preparation that intrigued me the most. The chicken was marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then stir-fried in a wok until perfectly cooked and coated in a sticky, sweet sauce.

I set to work gathering all of the necessary ingredients, making sure to select the freshest chicken and the highest quality soy sauce. As I began to prepare the dish, the familiar scents of garlic and ginger filled my kitchen, transporting me back to the bustling streets of Beijing. I could almost hear the sounds of the market vendors calling out their wares, the sizzle of food cooking in street-side stalls, and the laughter of families enjoying a meal together.

As the chicken cooked in the wok, I carefully watched over it, making sure to stir it just right so that it cooked evenly and absorbed all of the delicious flavors of the marinade. The sauce began to thicken and caramelize, creating a mouthwatering glaze that coated each piece of chicken in a sticky, savory coating.

When the dish was finally finished, I couldn't wait to taste it. I plated the Chicken Beijing on a bed of fluffy white rice, garnishing it with a sprinkle of green onions and a dash of sesame seeds. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the explosion of flavors that filled my mouth. The tender chicken, the rich soy sauce, the spicy ginger - it was everything I remembered and more.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family and friends, to pass on the flavors and memories of my time in Beijing. As they gathered around the table and took their first bites, I watched as their faces lit up with delight. They couldn't believe that I had recreated such an authentic and delicious dish in my own kitchen.

From that day on, Chicken Beijing became a staple in my recipe repertoire. It was a dish that never failed to impress, a dish that brought back fond memories of my time in China. And as I continued to cook and share this recipe with others, I knew that I was passing on a piece of history and culture through the simple act of sharing a meal.

So whenever I make Chicken Beijing, I am transported back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe. And as I sit down to enjoy a delicious meal with my loved ones, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the flavors of far-off places.