Chinese-style Chicken

Chinese-style Chicken Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Follow

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese-style chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

History

Chinese-style chicken has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China, known for its bold and spicy flavors. The dish has since spread to other regions of China and around the world, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

0.4 lb (181 g) to 2 lb chicken pieces, such as meaty breast halves, thighs, or drumsticks
0.5 cup water
0.5 tbsp dry sherry
0.5 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
0.2 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tbsp water
0.25 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 cup celery, bias-sliced 0.25 inches thick
1 green onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
0.33 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Remove the skin from the chicken.
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
Spray a large skillet with nonstick coating.
Preheat the skillet over medium heat.
Brown the chicken pieces on all sides in the hot skillet.
Add 0.75 cup of water, sherry, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Simmer, covered, for 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and no longer pink.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and keep it warm.
For the sauce, stir together 2 tbsp of water and the cornstarch; set it aside.
Cook and stir the celery for 3 to 4 minutes or until it is crisp and tender.
Stir in the cornstarch mixture.
Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve the chicken and sauce with hot cooked rice.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or broccoli to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the skin from the chicken before cooking to reduce the fat content.

- Browning the chicken before simmering helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Be sure to simmer the chicken until it is tender and no longer pink to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Stirring in the cornstarch mixture at the end helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese-style chicken with steamed vegetables or a side of stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the chicken, simmering in the sauce, and thickening with cornstarch to create a flavorful and glossy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute with white wine or chicken broth. You can also use regular soy sauce if reduced-sodium is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Simply store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chinese-style chicken with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chinese-style chicken with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad for a complete and satisfying 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

Each serving of Chinese-style chicken contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie meal option.

Carbohydrates

This Chinese-style chicken recipe contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mainly from the rice and cornstarch used in the sauce.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese-style chicken contains around 8 grams of fat, primarily from the chicken pieces and the small amount of oil used for browning.

Proteins

With around 25 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a great source of lean protein from the chicken.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese-style chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium from the vegetables and chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. It is important to use reduced-sodium soy sauce if you have a gluten sensitivity.

Summary

Overall, Chinese-style chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chinese-style chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's house for dinner. As soon as I walked through the door, I was hit with the most incredible aroma. My friend's mother was in the kitchen, bustling about and stirring a pot of what looked like the most delicious chicken I had ever seen.

I couldn't help but ask what she was making, and she smiled and told me it was her special Chinese-style Chicken recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I watched in awe as she added a splash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of ginger, and a dash of garlic to the pot, creating a mouth-watering sauce that filled the room with its savory scent.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I begged my friend's mother to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. She patiently walked me through each step, explaining the importance of marinating the chicken, the perfect balance of flavors, and the cooking techniques that would ensure the dish turned out just right.

I made my first batch of Chinese-style Chicken that very weekend, and it was a hit with my family. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household. I perfected the recipe over the years, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes and experimenting with different ingredients to make it my own.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. I can make it with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a healthier option, or I can use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer, more indulgent meal. I can add extra vegetables for a pop of color and nutrition, or I can keep it simple and let the flavors of the sauce shine through.

Over time, I have shared this recipe with friends and family members, passing it on just as my friend's mother did for me. I have even had the pleasure of teaching my own grandchildren how to make it, watching as they discover the joy of creating something delicious and satisfying from scratch.

As I look back on the years that have passed since that fateful summer day, I am grateful for the memories I have made in the kitchen, the laughter shared around the dinner table, and the love that has been poured into each and every batch of Chinese-style Chicken I have made.

So the next time you find yourself craving a dish that is both comforting and exotic, why not give this recipe a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you will pass it on to someone you love, just as I have done.