Chinese chicken with walnuts

Chinese Chicken with Walnuts Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

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

Introduction

Chinese chicken with walnuts is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy walnuts and a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it is easy to make and full of bold flavors.

History

Chinese chicken with walnuts is a traditional Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of chicken and walnuts is a classic pairing in Chinese cuisine, as the tender chicken and crunchy walnuts complement each other perfectly. This dish is often served at special occasions and celebrations in China, as it is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Ingredients

6 chicken breast halves (boneless, skinless)
2.5 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1.5 tbsp water
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp dry sherry
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper
0.25 tsp salt
3 tsp peanut oil
2 medium green peppers (cut into 0.75 inch pieces)
4 green onions (diagonally sliced into 1 inch lengths)
0.33 cup walnut halves

How to prepare

Editor's note: Serve this dish over rice to reduce the percentage of calories from fat. Directions: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Combine the soy sauce and water, then blend this mixture into the cornstarch. Stir in the sherry, sugar, ginger, red pepper, and salt. Preheat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 2 tsp of peanut oil. Stir-fry the green peppers and onions for 2 minutes, then remove them from the wok. Add the walnuts to the wok and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn golden brown, then remove them as well. Add the remaining oil to the wok and stir-fry half of the chicken for 2 minutes. Return all the chicken to the wok and stir in the soy mixture. Cook and stir until the mixture is bubbly. Stir in the vegetables and walnuts, cover the wok, and cook for 1 more minute. Each serving contains: 229 calories, 30 g protein, 4 g carbohydrates, 404 mg sodium, 9 g fat (which makes up 35% of the calories).

Variations

Substitute cashews or almonds for the walnuts.
Add vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a vegetarian or seafood version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Stir-fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding in the wok or skillet.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and crunchiness.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your taste preferences for spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese chicken with walnuts can be served over steamed 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 primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or skillet. This method helps to retain the texture and flavor of the ingredients while ensuring even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have dry sherry, you can substitute with rice wine or white wine. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chinese chicken with walnuts in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced red chilies for a pop of color. You can also serve this dish family-style in the center of the table for a communal dining experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Chinese chicken with walnuts pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or chow mein noodles. Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chinese chicken with walnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese chicken with walnuts contains 229 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese chicken with walnuts contains 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese chicken with walnuts contains 9 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese chicken with walnuts contains 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese chicken with walnuts is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and peanuts.

Summary

Chinese chicken with walnuts is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Summary

Chinese chicken with walnuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that is both satisfying and healthy.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had just finished browsing through a dusty old cookbook that I had found tucked away in a forgotten corner of the library. As I flipped through the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye - Chinese chicken with walnuts.

I had never tasted anything like it before, and the thought of combining tender chicken with crunchy walnuts and a savory sauce intrigued me. I decided then and there that I had to learn how to make it.

I asked the librarian if I could borrow the cookbook, and she kindly allowed me to take it home. That night, I poured over the recipe, studying each ingredient and step carefully. It seemed like a complex dish, but I was determined to master it.

The next day, I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients. I made sure to buy the freshest chicken and the crunchiest walnuts I could find. As I prepared the dish, I could feel my excitement building. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it carefully and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tender chicken, the crunchy walnuts, the savory sauce. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that left me wanting more.

I shared the dish with my family, and they too were impressed. They couldn't believe that I had made such a delicious and complex dish. From that day on, Chinese chicken with walnuts became a staple in our household.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. I experimented with different types of nuts, added more or less spice, and even tried using different cuts of chicken. Each time, the dish turned out beautifully, and I grew more confident in my culinary skills.

But it wasn't just the dish itself that made it special to me. It was the memories that it evoked - of that warm summer afternoon in the library, of the excitement of trying something new, of the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

As I grew older, I continued to cook Chinese chicken with walnuts for family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone looked forward to and asked for the recipe.

And as I passed on the recipe to my children and grandchildren, I realized that it wasn't just a dish that I was sharing, but a piece of myself - my love for cooking, my passion for trying new things, and my joy in bringing people together through food.

So whenever I make Chinese chicken with walnuts now, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the journey that led me to this recipe and the memories that it has created along the way. And I hope that whoever tastes it will feel the same sense of wonder and delight that I did on that fateful summer afternoon in the library.