Chinese chicken

Chinese Chicken Recipe - A Delicious and Authentic Dish from China

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

Introduction

Chinese chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a variety of vegetables and savory sauces. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

History

Chinese chicken has a long history in Chinese cuisine, with variations of the dish being enjoyed for centuries. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and sauces is a classic in Chinese cooking and has become popular in many other parts of the world as well.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) skinned and boneless chicken breasts
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cauliflower florets
0.5 lb (227 g) sliced mushrooms
4 green onions, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp dry sherry
1 tsp gingerroot
1 tsp arrowroot dissolved in 2 tbsp water
0.25 tsp sesame oil

How to prepare

1. Trim any fat from the chicken and thinly slice diagonally.
2. In a large non-stick or wok, heat oil and stir-fry the chicken for 3 or 4 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and keep it warm.
4. Add broccoli and cauliflower, stir-fry for 2 minutes.
5. Add mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, sherry, and gingerroot; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
6. Add dissolved arrowroot, sesame oil, peanuts, and the chicken.
7. Cook until heated through.
8. This dish is easy to prepare and has a colorful presentation, making it a favorite for entertaining.
9. Serve with "orange rice" (also in this file). Food exchange per serving: 3.5 low/fat meat exchanges + 2 vegetable exchanges. Calories: 256; Cholesterol: 72mg; Carbohydrates: 9g; Protein: 30g; Sodium: 385mg; Fat: 10 g

Variations

Add different vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or water chestnuts for variety.
Use different proteins such as shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different twist on the dish.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more or less soy sauce, ginger, or garlic.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thinly slice the chicken for quick and even cooking.

- Use a non-stick pan or wok to prevent sticking and ensure a nice sear on the chicken.

- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more soy sauce or ginger for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese chicken can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key technique for making Chinese chicken, as it allows for quick cooking and retains the crispness of the vegetables. Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sherry, you can substitute with rice wine or chicken broth. You can also use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and chop the vegetables to save time when cooking. Store the ingredients separately in the fridge until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chinese chicken in a large serving dish or individual bowls for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or sliced chilies for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Chinese chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Serve with a side of egg rolls or potstickers for a complete Chinese meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese chicken contains approximately 256 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese chicken contains approximately 9g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese chicken contains approximately 10g of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese chicken contains approximately 30g of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the vegetables and protein from the chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Chinese chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Chinese chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With a mix of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauces, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy this flavorful and colorful dish with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Chinese chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished my shift at the local market where I worked as a cashier. As I was walking home, I passed by a small Chinese restaurant that had the most amazing aroma wafting out of its doors. The scent of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce filled the air, making my mouth water.

Curious, I decided to peek inside and see what all the fuss was about. The restaurant was bustling with customers, and I could see the chefs working tirelessly in the open kitchen, tossing ingredients in large woks and creating mouth-watering dishes. I couldn't resist the temptation and decided to treat myself to a meal.

I ordered their signature dish - Chinese chicken with vegetables and rice. When the plate arrived at my table, I was instantly captivated by the vibrant colors and enticing aroma. The chicken was tender and juicy, coated in a sticky and flavorful sauce that had me hooked from the first bite. The combination of sweet and savory flavors danced on my taste buds, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish at home.

After finishing my meal, I mustered up the courage to approach the chef and ask for the recipe. To my surprise, he was more than happy to share his secrets with me. He showed me the key ingredients - soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil - and explained the technique behind creating the perfect balance of flavors.

Over the next few weeks, I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until I finally perfected my own version of Chinese chicken. I made sure to use fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to add a pop of color and crunch to the dish.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. When I served the Chinese chicken for dinner one night, their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bite. My husband praised me for my cooking skills, and my grandchildren couldn't get enough of the sticky sauce that coated the chicken.

From that day on, Chinese chicken became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over for dinner, I would proudly serve up my signature dish and watch as their eyes widened in delight at the first taste. It became a tradition for me to make Chinese chicken on special occasions, and each time, it brought back memories of that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe.

As the years passed, I continued to refine my recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its deliciousness. I even entered a cooking competition at the local fair and won first prize for my Chinese chicken dish, much to the delight of my family.

Now, whenever I make Chinese chicken, I remember that small Chinese restaurant and the generous chef who shared his recipe with me. It's amazing how a simple meal can hold so much meaning and nostalgia. Cooking has always been my passion, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the day I discovered the magic of Chinese cuisine.