Oriental Chicken

Oriental Chicken Recipe from China with Mushrooms, Carrots, and Green Onions

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

Introduction

Oriental Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory stuffing made with mushrooms, carrots, water chestnuts, and green onions. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal.

History

The exact origins of Oriental Chicken are unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Chinese and Asian flavors. This dish has become popular in Western cuisine and is often served in restaurants and homes around the world.

Ingredients

1 cup of fresh mushrooms, sliced
0.75 cup of shredded carrot
3 green onions, bias-sliced into 1 inch length
4 slices of whole wheat bread, cut into 0.5 inch cubes then toasted (about 3 cups)
0.5 of an 8 oz (227 g) can of water chestnuts, drained and chopped (about 0.5 cup)
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp of dry sherry
1 tbsp of cooking oil
0.25 tsp of garlic powder
a dash of ground ginger
0.5 cup of chicken broth
1 3 lb (1.36 kg) broiler-fryer chicken

How to prepare

To make the stuffing, cook mushrooms, carrots, green onions, and 2 tbsp water in a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) casserole dish, covered, on high power (100%) for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.
Add bread cubes and water chestnuts to the cooked vegetables.
In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, sherry, oil, garlic powder, and ginger.
Toss the stuffing with 1 tbsp of the soy mixture and enough broth to moisten it. Set aside.
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Pull the neck skin to the back of the bird and twist the wing tips under the chicken.
Tie the legs to the tail. Place the chicken, breast side down, in a dish and brush it with some of the remaining soy mixture.
Place the dish in the microwave oven, leaving 2 to 3 inches of space between the chicken and the oven walls and ceiling.
Loosely cover the dish with waxed paper. Cook on high power for 10 minutes. Then, turn the chicken breast side up.
Brush the chicken with the remaining soy mixture. To prevent overcooking, shield the drumsticks and wing tips with small pieces of foil.
Cook the chicken, covered, on high power for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is no longer pink. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the stuffing, covered, on high power for 3 minutes or until it is heated through. Serve the stuffing with the chicken.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add chopped peanuts or cashews to the stuffing for extra crunch and flavor.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli in the stuffing for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the vegetables for the stuffing until they are crisp-tender to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Brushing the chicken with the soy mixture helps to infuse it with delicious Asian-inspired flavors.

- Be sure to let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Oriental Chicken with steamed rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Microwaving the chicken helps to cook it quickly and evenly, while also keeping it moist and tender. Cooking the stuffing separately ensures that it is heated through and maintains its texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white button mushrooms instead of fresh mushrooms.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. The chicken can also be marinated in the soy mixture overnight for extra flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Oriental Chicken with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a decorative touch. Serve it on a platter with the stuffing piled high for an impressive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Oriental Chicken with a crisp and refreshing white wine such as a Riesling or a Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with green tea or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Oriental Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oriental Chicken contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oriental Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Oriental Chicken contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Oriental Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Oriental Chicken is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Oriental 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

Oriental Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a savory and delicious stuffing. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a special dinner or a family meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Asian-inspired dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was given to me by a dear friend who had just returned from a trip to Asia and had learned how to make this dish from a local chef. The flavors and aromas that wafted from the page seemed exotic and enticing, and I knew I had to try my hand at making it.

I carefully read through the list of ingredients and instructions, mentally noting each step in my head. The ingredients were a mix of familiar and unfamiliar items – soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar – along with some ingredients I had never used before, like oyster sauce and hoisin sauce. But I was determined to learn and master this recipe.

I set out to gather all the ingredients that I needed, making a trip to the local Asian market to find the more specialized items. As I wandered through the aisles, I marveled at the array of exotic fruits, vegetables, and spices that lined the shelves. I picked up bottles of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce, along with fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions.

Back in my kitchen, I started by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The aroma that filled the room was intoxicating, and I could hardly wait for the chicken to finish marinating so I could start cooking.

I heated some sesame oil in a wok and added the marinated chicken, stirring it constantly to ensure that it cooked evenly. As the chicken started to brown and caramelize, I added the vegetables – bell peppers, onions, and snow peas – along with a generous splash of rice vinegar.

The colors and textures of the dish were coming together beautifully, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as I stirred the ingredients together in the wok. The smell of the sizzling chicken and vegetables filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, it was time to add the sauces – a generous drizzle of oyster sauce and hoisin sauce, which added a rich and savory depth of flavor to the dish. I tossed everything together, making sure that each piece of chicken and vegetable was coated in the delicious sauce.

I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before serving, and I was blown away by the explosion of flavors that hit my taste buds. The sweet and salty sauce paired perfectly with the tender chicken and crisp vegetables, creating a harmony of flavors that danced on my tongue.

When I served the dish to my family that evening, they couldn't get enough. They raved about how delicious and flavorful the Oriental Chicken was, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had successfully recreated a dish from a faraway land.

From that moment on, Oriental Chicken became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made it for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. It became a symbol of my culinary journey and my love for exploring new flavors and cuisines.

As I continued to cook and create in my kitchen, I often thought back to that first time I made Oriental Chicken and how it had sparked a passion within me. It was a reminder that you never stop learning and growing in the kitchen, and that there are always new recipes and flavors to discover.

So, the next time you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, I urge you to try your hand at making Oriental Chicken. Let the exotic aromas and bold flavors transport you to a faraway land, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious and memorable dish that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your own recipe collection.