Chicken Fillet Chinese Recipe: Achieving Perfect Quick and Easy Meals

If you have a great love for Chinese cuisine, you're probably familiar with the delicious and versatile chicken fillet. This tender and juicy cut of meat is used in a variety of Chinese dishes, from stir-fries to braises and soups. But have you ever tried making chicken fillet at home? With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a mouth-watering chicken fillet Chinese recipe that rivals your favourite takeout.

The key to making a great chicken fillet Chinese recipe is to use the right ingredients. Essential ingredients include soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, and green onions. These ingredients add flavour and depth to the dish, and are commonly used in Chinese cooking. You can also add other ingredients such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts for texture and variety. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even propose the use of seafood in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable. For example, prawns or squid can be added to create a seafood chicken fillet Chinese recipe.

Once you have your ingredients ready, it's time to prepare the chicken fillet. You'll want to cut the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. When it comes to cooking the chicken fillet, stir-frying is the most common method. This involves quickly cooking the chicken over high heat in a wok or frying pan with some oil. You can also braise the chicken in a savoury sauce for a more tender and flavourful dish.

Key Takeaways

• Essential ingredients for a chicken fillet Chinese recipe include soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, and green onions.
• Marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch can help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour.
• Stir-frying and braising are common cooking methods for chicken fillet Chinese recipes.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious Chinese chicken fillet, there are a few essential ingredients that you simply cannot do without. Here are some of the key components that you will need to create a tasty and authentic dish.

Choosing Your Chicken

The first step is to choose the right type of chicken. While you can use either chicken breast or chicken thighs, we recommend using chicken breast for this recipe. It is leaner and has a milder flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Sauce and Seasoning Components

Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, scallions, salt, sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and egg are all essential components of the sauce and seasoning for your Chinese chicken fillet. These ingredients will help to create the savoury, sweet, and slightly spicy flavour that is characteristic of this dish.

Additional Ingredients for Texture and Flavour

In addition to the sauce and seasoning components, there are a few other ingredients that you can use to add texture and flavour to your Chinese chicken fillet. For example, you could add some vegetables such as green onions or sesame seeds for a nutty flavour. You could also use rice or noodles as a base for your dish.

If you want to get creative, you could even add some seafood to your Chinese chicken fillet. Shrimp, squid, and scallops all work well in this recipe and can add a delicious seafood flavour to your dish.

The key to making a delicious Chinese chicken fillet is to use high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavours and textures of your dish. With the right ingredients and a bit of practice, you can create a mouth-watering meal that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating Basics

When it comes to preparing chicken fillet Chinese recipe, marinating is an essential step that can add flavour and tenderness to your dish. A good marinade can also help to keep the chicken moist and juicy during cooking. To marinate your chicken, you can use a combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. You can also add a little bit of sugar or honey to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.

If you want to add seafood to your dish, you can use prawns or shrimps as a substitute for chicken. To marinate prawns or shrimps, you can use a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. The cornstarch slurry will help to coat the prawns or shrimps and keep them moist during cooking.

Batter and Coating

Another important technique in preparing chicken fillet Chinese recipe is battering and coating. To make your chicken crispy, you can use a batter made from a mixture of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and water. The baking powder will help to create a light and airy batter that will give your chicken a crispy texture.

After battering your chicken, you can coat it with a mixture of cornstarch and water. The cornstarch will help to create a thin and crispy coating that will add extra texture to your dish. You can also add a little bit of salt and pepper to the cornstarch mixture to enhance the flavour of your chicken.

If you want to use seafood in your dish, you can use squid or prawns as a substitute for chicken. To coat squid or prawns, you can use a mixture of cornstarch and rice flour. The rice flour will help to create a light and crispy coating that will complement the tender texture of the squid or prawns.

Cooking Methods

When it comes to cooking chicken fillet in Chinese cuisine, there are several methods to choose from. Here are two popular methods that you can try at home:

Stir-Frying in a Wok

Stir-frying in a wok is a classic Chinese cooking technique that is perfect for cooking chicken fillet. The high heat of the wok allows you to cook the chicken quickly and evenly, while also retaining its natural juices and flavours.

To stir-fry chicken fillet in a wok, you will need a few basic ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vegetables. Start by heating up your wok on high heat with some oil. Once the wok is hot, add in your chicken fillet and stir-fry it for a few minutes until it turns golden brown. Then, add in your vegetables and seasonings, and continue stir-frying until everything is cooked through.

If you want to add some seafood to your stir-fry, you can use shrimp or scallops. Just make sure to cook them separately before adding them to the wok, as they cook faster than chicken.

Baking and Grilling Alternatives

If you don't have a wok or simply prefer other cooking methods, you can also bake or grill your chicken fillet. Baking and grilling are great options for those who want a healthier alternative to frying.

To bake your chicken fillet, preheat your oven to 200°C and place your chicken on a baking tray. Season it with salt, pepper, and your favourite spices, and then bake it for around 20 minutes or until it is cooked through.

Grilling your chicken fillet is another healthy option that can be done on a stove-top grill or an outdoor grill. To grill your chicken fillet, season it with salt, pepper, and your favourite spices, and then grill it for around 10 minutes on each side or until it is cooked through.

If you want to add some seafood to your baked or grilled chicken, you can use prawns or salmon. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks faster than chicken.

There are many ways to cook chicken fillet in Chinese cuisine, and these are just a few of the most popular methods. Whether you choose to stir-fry, bake, or grill your chicken, make sure to use fresh ingredients and seasonings to bring out the best flavours.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments and Side Dishes

When it comes to serving your Chinese chicken fillet, there are many different options to choose from. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Plain Rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice is a classic accompaniment to any Chinese dish, including chicken fillet. The mild flavour of the rice helps to balance out the bold flavours of the chicken, making for a well-rounded meal.

• Fried Rice: If you're looking for something with a bit more flavour, why not try serving your chicken fillet with fried rice? This tasty side dish is made by cooking rice in a wok with a variety of vegetables, meats, and spices. You can use leftover rice from a previous meal, or cook up a fresh batch specifically for this dish.

• Sweet and Sour Pork: Another classic Chinese dish that pairs well with chicken fillet is sweet and sour pork. This dish is made by frying chunks of pork in a sweet and tangy sauce, and can be served alongside your chicken fillet for a flavourful and satisfying meal.

• Aromatic Crispy Duck: For a more indulgent option, why not serve your chicken fillet with aromatic crispy duck? This dish is made by slow-roasting a duck until the skin is crispy and golden, and then serving it alongside pancakes, spring onions, and hoisin sauce. It's a bit more involved than some of the other options on this list, but it's definitely worth the effort!

If you're looking to add some seafood to your meal, you could try adding some prawns or scallops to your chicken fillet dish. These seafood options pair well with the bold flavours of Chinese cuisine, and can add an extra layer of texture and flavour to your meal. Just be sure to cook them properly to ensure they're safe to eat.

Nutritional Information

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal, chicken fillet Chinese recipe is a great option. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, phosphorus and selenium.

When it comes to calories, chicken fillet Chinese recipe is a moderate calorie meal. A single serving of chicken fillet Chinese recipe contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the recipe and the portion size. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method.

If you have dietary requirements, chicken fillet Chinese recipe can be a good option. It is naturally gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free by omitting any dairy products from the recipe. However, some recipes may contain soy sauce, which contains wheat, so it is important to check the ingredients carefully.

If you are looking for a healthy option, you can try using lean chicken breast fillets and steaming or grilling them instead of frying. You can also add plenty of vegetables to the recipe to increase the nutritional value.

As a suggestion, you can also use seafood in the recipe. Seafood such as prawns or scallops can be used to add an extra layer of flavour to the dish. However, it is important to ensure that the seafood is cooked properly before adding it to the recipe.

Overall, chicken fillet Chinese recipe is a great option for a healthy and delicious meal. With the right ingredients and cooking methods, you can create a nutritious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to making tender chicken like in Chinese cuisine?

The key to making tender chicken in Chinese cuisine is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This will help to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender texture. You can also try using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, as they tend to be more tender.

How do you cook a chicken fillet in a traditional Chinese style?

To cook a chicken fillet in a traditional Chinese style, you can try stir-frying it with vegetables and a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. You can also add in some ginger and garlic for extra flavour. Another option is to steam the chicken with some ginger and green onions, which will give it a delicate and fragrant flavour.

Can you recommend a simple Chinese chicken fillet dish for a quick dinner?

For a quick and easy Chinese chicken fillet dish, you can try stir-frying the chicken with some broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and then adding in a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

What's the best way to achieve crispy chicken in Chinese recipes?

To achieve crispy chicken in Chinese recipes, you can try coating the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before frying it. This will create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside of the chicken moist and tender. Another option is to deep-fry the chicken in hot oil until it is golden brown and crispy.

Could you list some famous Chinese chicken dishes for inspiration?

Sure! Some famous Chinese chicken dishes include Kung Pao chicken, General Tso's chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and sesame chicken. These dishes are all flavourful and delicious, and can be made with chicken fillets.

How is chicken oyster sauce prepared in Chinese cooking?

Chicken oyster sauce is typically made by simmering chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch together until the sauce thickens. You can also add in some garlic and ginger for extra flavour. This sauce is great for stir-frying chicken and vegetables, and can also be used as a dipping sauce. If you want to add seafood to your dish, you can use shrimp or scallops as they pair well with chicken in Chinese cuisine.