If you’re craving a savory and satisfying Chinese chicken dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Best Ever Chinese Chicken Recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a deliciously tangy sauce and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 green pepper, thinly sliced or cut into chunks
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cup snow peas
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced into a paste
For the Sauce:
- 1 ½ tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
- ⅓ cup Soy Sauce
- 3 tbsp white cooking wine
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
Instructions:
FIRST STEP: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them well with the mixture.
SECOND STEP: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of white cooking wine, 1 ½ teaspoons of rice wine vinegar, ⅓ cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to create the sauce.
THIRD STEP: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
FOURTH STEP: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, snow peas, and green pepper. Pour in the prepared sauce and cook until the vegetables are tender.
FIFTH STEP: Add Flavors
Mix in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring well. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds to enhance the flavors. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
SIXTH STEP: Combine and Serve
Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve your Chinese chicken with a side of white rice and garnish with chopped green onions for a delightful touch.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Serve with Rice: Pair the Chinese chicken with steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish: Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Side Dishes: Complement the dish with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftover Chinese chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for Later: To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat Properly: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Variations:
If you’re looking to mix things up or tailor the recipe to your preferences, here are some creative variations of the Best Ever Chinese Chicken Recipe:
1. Spicy Chinese Chicken
Details: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. For an extra kick, consider adding sliced fresh chili peppers to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Cashew Chicken
Details: Incorporate 1/2 cup of roasted cashews into the dish. Add the cashews along with the vegetables and sauce for added crunch and nutty flavor. This variation enhances the texture and adds a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
3. Teriyaki Chicken
Details: Substitute 1/4 cup of soy sauce with teriyaki sauce in the sauce mixture. This gives the dish a sweeter and slightly tangy flavor. You might also want to reduce the amount of honey in the recipe to balance the sweetness.
4. Pineapple Chicken
Details: Add 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks to the skillet along with the vegetables. For a tropical twist, you can also include a bit of pineapple juice in the sauce. This variation adds a sweet and tangy element to the dish.
5. Hoisin Chicken
Details: Stir 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce into the sauce mixture. Hoisin sauce adds a rich, sweet flavor with hints of garlic and five-spice powder, giving the dish a different depth of flavor.
6. Orange Chicken
Details: Replace 1 tablespoon of honey with 1/4 cup of orange juice and add a teaspoon of orange zest to the sauce mixture. This variation provides a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken.
7. Veggie-Packed Chicken
Details: Add additional vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or baby corn to the skillet with the mushrooms, snow peas, and green pepper. This makes the dish more nutritious and colorful, and the extra veggies absorb the flavors of the sauce.
8. Gluten-Free Option
Details: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free cornstarch to make the dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
9. Lemon Chicken
Details: Substitute the rice wine vinegar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce. This variation gives the dish a bright, tangy flavor that complements the chicken.
10. Creamy Chicken
Details: At the end of cooking, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. This creates a rich and creamy sauce that adds a luxurious texture to the dish. Adjust the seasoning as needed after adding the cream.
FAQs:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add more flavor. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
2. Can I use a different type of oil?
You can use vegetable oil or canola oil instead of olive oil if preferred.
3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
4. What can I use instead of snow peas?
Green beans or snap peas are good substitutes for snow peas.
5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
6. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and ensure the sauce ingredients are vegetarian.
7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
8. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce.
9. Can I use pre-cut vegetables?
Yes, pre-cut vegetables can be used to save time, just adjust cooking times as needed.
10. What should I serve with this dish?
Serve with steamed white rice or jasmine rice, and consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
This Best Ever Chinese Chicken Recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, it’s a perfect meal for any day of the week. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please!