Chicken Toasts

Chicken Toasts Recipe from China with Plum Sauce and Five-Spice Powder

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken toasts are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. These crispy and flavorful toasts are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Chicken toasts have been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for many years. They are often served as a starter or snack in restaurants and are loved for their crunchy texture and savory flavor.

Ingredients

2 chicken breast fillets
2 garlic cloves
2 spring onions
1 red chile
1 egg
0.5 tsp five-spice powder
3 tbsp plum sauce
4 slices thick white bread, preferably a few days old
25 g sesame seeds
2 tbsp vegetable oil, for shallow frying
salad leaves, for serving

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into small pieces.
Peel and chop the garlic.
Trim and finely chop the spring onions.
Deseed and finely chop the chilli.
In a food processor, process the chicken, garlic, chilli, egg, five spice powder, and 1 tbsp of the plum sauce until it forms a coarse paste.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and add the spring onions, stirring until well-combined.
Spread equal amounts of the chicken mixture over each slice of bread.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and press down gently with your fingers.
Cut each bread slice diagonally into quarters.
Heat the oil in a pan, preferably non-stick, until it is really hot.
Add the toasts and shallow-fry them in batches for 5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown.
Drain them on paper kitchen towels.
Brush with the remaining plum sauce and garnish with salad leaves.

Variations

You can add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the chicken mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use thick slices of bread for this recipe to ensure that the toasts hold up well during frying.

- Be sure to fry the toasts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in uneven cooking.

- You can customize the level of spiciness in this recipe by adjusting the amount of chili you use.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken toasts hot with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Shallow frying is the best technique for making chicken toasts, as it results in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have plum sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or sweet and sour sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble and fry the toasts.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken toasts on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken toasts pair well with a light and refreshing salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken toasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place them in a toaster oven or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken toasts contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken toasts contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken toasts contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken toasts contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken toasts are a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread and eggs.

Summary

Chicken toasts are a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are a tasty and satisfying appetizer option.

Summary

Chicken toasts are a tasty and satisfying appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful chicken filling, these toasts are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Toasts. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning how to cook in my mother's kitchen. My mother had received the recipe from a dear friend who had learned it from her own grandmother. The recipe had been passed down through generations, and now it was my turn to learn how to make it.

The first time I saw the ingredients laid out on the counter, I was struck by how simple they were. Just a few basic ingredients – chicken, bread, butter, and seasonings. But as I watched my mother prepare the dish, I realized that the magic was not in the ingredients themselves, but in the way they were combined and cooked.

My mother started by poaching the chicken in a flavorful broth until it was tender and juicy. Then she shredded the chicken and mixed it with a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. The mixture was then spread onto thick slices of bread and toasted in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.

The smell that filled the kitchen as the Chicken Toasts baked was heavenly – a combination of warm bread, savory chicken, and creamy sauce. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish, and when my mother finally took the toasts out of the oven and placed them on the table, I eagerly took a bite.

The taste was even better than I had imagined. The creamy sauce had soaked into the bread, making it soft and flavorful, while the chicken added a savory richness that was irresistible. I knew then that this recipe would become a favorite in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Chicken Toasts countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first time I saw the recipe and the sense of wonder and excitement it inspired in me.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just the ingredients and instructions, but also the memories and traditions that are woven into each bite of Chicken Toasts. It has become a beloved dish in our family, a symbol of love, comfort, and connection.

As I stand in my own kitchen now, making Chicken Toasts for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the stories and experiences that have been passed down through this simple yet delicious recipe.

And as I take a bite of the warm, savory toast, I am filled with gratitude for the generations of cooks who came before me, sharing their knowledge and love through the food they prepared. I am proud to continue the tradition, keeping the spirit of the recipe alive for years to come.