Chinese Chicken and Potato Recipe: Cooking Method for Home Chefs

Looking for a hearty and flavourful dish to add to your dinner rotation? Look no further than the Chinese chicken and potato recipe. This dish is a classic in Chinese cuisine, known for its tender braised chicken and soft, buttery potatoes soaked in a thick, umami gravy. It's a dish that's easy to prepare and is sure to become a family favourite.

To make this dish, you'll need a few key ingredients, including chicken, potatoes, soy sauce, and brown sugar. You can also add in other ingredients to suit your taste, such as star anise or oyster sauce. The dish is easy to prepare, with most of the work being done in the braising process. Simply marinate the chicken in soy sauce and salt, cut the potatoes into wedges, and then let everything simmer together in a pot until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are soft and buttery.

If you're looking to mix things up, you can also try adding seafood to the dish. Shrimp or prawns can be a great addition, adding a sweet and savoury flavour that complements the chicken and potatoes perfectly. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks much faster than chicken.

Key Takeaways

• The Chinese chicken and potato recipe is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine that is easy to prepare and is sure to become a family favourite.
• The dish requires a few key ingredients, such as chicken, potatoes, soy sauce, and brown sugar, but can be easily adapted to suit your taste.
• For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding seafood such as shrimp or prawns to the dish.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Main Ingredients

The main ingredients for Chinese chicken and potato recipe are chicken, potatoes, and carrots. You can use chicken drumsticks, thighs, bone-in legs, or any other chicken meat for this recipe. Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes are the most commonly used potatoes in this recipe. Carrots are used to add a sweet and earthy flavour to the stew.

If you prefer, you can substitute chicken with pork ribs, stewing beef, or any marbled red meat. For a seafood twist, you can use shrimp or prawns in place of chicken.

Sauce and Seasonings

The sauce and seasonings used in this recipe are oyster sauce, soy sauce, Chinese wine, and sesame oil. These ingredients add a rich and savoury flavour to the dish. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste.

You can also add garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and peppers to enhance the flavour of the dish. Use organic chicken and fresh herbs like scallion and green onion to make the dish even more flavourful.

Optional Add-Ins

You can add mushrooms, celery, radish, or any other vegetables of your choice to make the dish more nutritious. You can also add eggs or noodles to make the dish more filling. Serve the dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

If you are looking for a seafood twist, you can add prawns or shrimp to the dish. Fresh squid or octopus can also be used to make the dish even more flavourful.

This Chinese chicken and potato recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple substitutions and additions, you can make this dish your own and create a delicious and nutritious meal for you and your family.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you start cooking Chinese chicken and potato recipe, there are a few things you should do to prepare. In this section, we will go over the essential steps to make sure your dish turns out perfectly.

Marinating the Chicken

The first step to preparing your Chinese chicken and potato recipe is to marinate the chicken. Marinating the chicken allows the meat to absorb the flavours of the marinade, making it more tender and tasty. You can marinate the chicken with light soy sauce and salt for 30 minutes for bite-size meat or one to two hours for large chunks. If you have time, marinating the chicken overnight will give it an even better flavour.

Preparing the Vegetables

The next step is to prepare the vegetables. Peel off the skin of the potato and cut it into small wedges, about the size of the chicken. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots or onions to the dish to add more flavour and nutrition. If you want to add seafood, you can use shrimp or scallops, which will go well with the chicken and potato.

Now that you have marinated the chicken and prepared the vegetables, you are ready to start cooking your Chinese chicken and potato recipe. Remember to use the right amount of seasoning, such as oyster sauce, sesame oil, star anise, cinnamon stick, and Shaoxing wine, to make the dish more flavourful. Whether you use boneless or bone-in chicken, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Cooking Method

Braising the Chicken and Potatoes

To make this comforting Chinese-style braised chicken with potatoes, start by heating up a wok or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the wok or Dutch oven is hot, add some oil and let it heat up. Then, add the boneless chicken thighs and pan-fry them until they are golden brown on both sides.

Next, add the potatoes and stir-fry them with the chicken for a few minutes until they are lightly browned. Then, add some chicken stock, beer, tomato paste, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Chinese wine, sesame oil and some water to the wok or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.

Cover the wok or Dutch oven and let the chicken and potatoes simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. If you want a thicker gravy, you can mix some cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add it to the wok or Dutch oven.

Adjusting the Flavour

Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or salt to taste. If you want a spicier flavour, you can add some chilli flakes or Sichuan peppercorns.

Finishing Touches

Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked and the gravy is seasoned to your liking, it's time to serve. This braised chicken with potatoes goes great with steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables on the side.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them in the microwave or on the stove.

As a suggestion, you can also add some seafood to this recipe. Shrimp or scallops would work well in this Chinese chicken potato stew. Simply add them to the wok or Dutch oven during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking and let them cook until they are pink and opaque.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

When it comes to serving Chinese chicken and potato stew, there are a variety of accompaniments that can complement the dish and enhance its flavour. Rice is the most common accompaniment to the stew, and it provides a neutral base that allows the flavours of the stew to shine through. You can also serve the stew with hand-pulled noodles or egg noodles, which are a great option if you want to add a bit of texture to the dish.

Vegetables are also a great accompaniment to the stew. You can add some greens such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas to the stew to make it more nutritious. You can also serve the stew with a side of stir-fried vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions.

Presentation Tips

To make your Chinese chicken and potato stew look more appetising, you can sprinkle some chopped spring onions or coriander on top of the stew. This will add some colour and freshness to the dish. You can also serve the stew in a large bowl with a ladle, allowing your guests to help themselves.

If you want to add some seafood to the stew, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the stew towards the end of the cooking process, and let them cook for a few minutes until they are cooked through. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the stew and make it even more satisfying.

Chinese chicken and potato stew is a comforting and hearty dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you choose to serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, you can be sure that it will be a crowd-pleaser. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?

Cultural Significance and Variations

Chinese-style braised chicken with potatoes is a popular comfort dish that has cultural significance in different regions of China. The dish is known for its savoury gravy and tender chicken and potatoes. Here are some regional variations and modern twists on this classic dish.

Regional Variations

Cantonese Style: The Cantonese-style braised chicken with potatoes is known for its use of daikon radish and dark soy sauce, which gives it a sweet and savoury flavour. The chicken is usually cooked bone-in for extra flavour, and the dish is served with steamed rice.

Shanghai Style: The Shanghai-style braised chicken with potatoes is known for its use of red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, which give it a spicy and numbing flavour. The dish is usually served with noodles or steamed buns.

Da Pan Ji: Da Pan Ji is a popular dish from the Xinjiang region of China. It is made with chicken, potatoes, onions, and red peppers, and it is known for its bold and spicy flavour. The dish is usually served with flatbread or noodles.

Big Plate Chicken: Big Plate Chicken is a fragrant chicken stew originally from China's northwest province of Xinjiang, but now famous across the country. It is made with chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peppers, and it is known for its bold and spicy flavour. The dish is usually served with rice or noodles.

Modern Twists

Seafood: For a twist on the classic dish, you can add seafood to the braised chicken and potatoes. Shrimp, crab, or mussels would all work well in this recipe. Simply add the seafood towards the end of the cooking process, and let it cook until it is opaque and cooked through.

Vegetarian: For a vegetarian twist on the classic dish, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan. You can also add more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to make the dish more filling and nutritious.

Nutrition Information: A serving of Chinese-style braised chicken with potatoes typically contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the recipe and serving size. The dish is a good source of protein and carbohydrates, and it also contains vitamins and minerals from the chicken and potatoes. However, the dish can be high in sodium and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a good stir-fry recipe for chicken and potatoes?

A good stir-fry recipe for chicken and potatoes is easy to make and delicious. You can use boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced potatoes, and your favourite vegetables. Heat up a wok or a large frying pan with some oil, add the chicken and stir-fry until it is browned. Add the potatoes and vegetables, and stir-fry until they are cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste. You can also add some seafood like prawns or squid to make it more flavourful.

How can I make a simple chicken and potato dish at home?

Making a simple chicken and potato dish at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks, sliced potatoes, and some aromatics like ginger and garlic. Brown the chicken in a large pot or a Dutch oven, add the potatoes and aromatics, and cover with water or chicken stock. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and the potatoes are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste. You can also add some seafood like fish fillet or crab to make it more nutritious.

Can you suggest a slow cooker recipe for Chinese chicken and potatoes?

Yes, a slow cooker recipe for Chinese chicken and potatoes is perfect for busy weekdays. You can use boneless chicken thighs, sliced potatoes, and some spices like cinnamon and star anise. Brown the chicken in a frying pan, add it to the slow cooker with the potatoes and spices, and cover with chicken stock. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste. You can also add some seafood like prawns or mussels to make it more flavourful.

What are the steps to braise chicken with potatoes and carrots, Chinese-style?

Braising chicken with potatoes and carrots, Chinese-style, is a classic recipe that is easy to make. You can use chicken drumsticks or thighs, sliced potatoes and carrots, and some aromatics like ginger and garlic. Brown the chicken in a large pot or a Dutch oven, add the potatoes, carrots, and aromatics, and cover with water or chicken stock. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste. You can also add some seafood like squid or scallops to make it more delectable.

Is there a traditional Hainanese chicken stew recipe available?

Yes, a traditional Hainanese chicken stew recipe is available and it is a must-try for chicken lovers. You can use a whole chicken, ginger, garlic, and some Chinese herbs like dang gui and huai shan. Brown the chicken in a large pot or a Dutch oven, add the ginger, garlic, and herbs, and cover with water or chicken stock. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and the broth is flavourful. Serve with some steamed rice and garnish with some chopped coriander. You can also add some seafood like clams or prawns to make it more appetising.

What ingredients do I need for a Chinese chicken and vegetable stew?

For a Chinese chicken and vegetable stew, you need chicken thighs or drumsticks, sliced potatoes, carrots, and your favourite vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, and mushrooms. Brown the chicken in a large pot or a Dutch oven, add the vegetables, and cover with water or chicken stock. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste. You can also add some seafood like salmon or cod to make it more nutritious.