Chinese Chicken Potato Stew Recipe: Simple Ways to Indulge

Chicken potato stew is a comforting and hearty dish that has been enjoyed for generations in Chinese cuisine. This authentic recipe is easy to make and perfect for a family meal or a cosy night in. With tender chicken, buttery potatoes, and a savoury broth, it's no wonder that this dish is a favourite among many.

To make this dish, you'll need a few key ingredients, including chicken thighs, potatoes, and a variety of Chinese seasonings. You can also add in other vegetables, such as carrots or mushrooms, to make the dish even heartier. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes and preferences.

Whether you're new to Chinese cuisine or a seasoned pro, this chicken potato stew recipe is sure to become a favourite. It's a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a potluck with friends. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and satisfying this dish can be?

Key Takeaways

• Chicken potato stew is a classic and comforting dish in Chinese cuisine.
• The recipe can be adapted to include other vegetables and seasonings.
• Seafood can be added to the recipe for a delicious variation, such as prawns or squid.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Primary Ingredients

The primary ingredients for Chinese chicken potato stew are chicken, potatoes, and carrots. Chicken drumsticks, thighs, bone-in legs, and other chicken meat can be used in 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.

Seasonings and Spices

The seasonings and spices used in this recipe include garlic, ginger, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon, oyster sauce, sesame oil, shaoxing wine, and tomato paste. These ingredients are used to add a depth of flavour to the stew.

Additional Flavours

For additional flavours, you can add mushrooms, celery, and cornstarch to thicken the stew. Seafood, such as prawns or scallops, can also be added to the stew to give it a unique flavour. However, it is important to note that seafood will change the overall flavour of the stew.

Alternate Ingredients

If you are looking to substitute some of the primary ingredients, you can use other root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, in place of potatoes and carrots. You can also use other types of meat, such as beef or pork, in place of chicken. However, keep in mind that the flavour of the stew will change based on the ingredients used.

Meat Variations

In addition to chicken, you can use other types of meat in this recipe. Pork, beef, or lamb can be used in place of chicken. If you are using beef or lamb, it is recommended to use a tougher cut of meat, such as chuck or shank, to achieve a tender and flavourful stew.

Overall, the ingredients used in Chinese chicken potato stew are versatile and can be substituted based on personal preference. Experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect combination of flavours for your taste buds.

Cooking Equipment

When it comes to making Chinese chicken potato stew, you'll need the right equipment to ensure the best results. Here are some traditional and modern options to consider.

Traditional Cookware

A wok is a traditional Chinese cooking vessel that is perfect for making chicken potato stew. It's a versatile piece of cookware that allows you to stir-fry, steam, and even deep-fry your ingredients. A wok is typically made of carbon steel, which conducts heat quickly and evenly. It also has a round bottom, which allows you to toss your ingredients easily.

Another traditional option is a Dutch oven. This heavy pot is made of cast iron, which retains heat well and distributes it evenly. A Dutch oven is perfect for slow-cooking stews, such as chicken potato stew. It also has a tight-fitting lid, which helps to keep the moisture and flavour of your ingredients.

Modern Alternatives

If you don't have a wok or Dutch oven, don't worry. You can still make delicious chicken potato stew with modern alternatives. A large skillet or sauté pan will work just fine. Look for a pan with a heavy bottom, which will help to distribute heat evenly.

You can also use an electric slow cooker or Instant Pot to make your chicken potato stew. These appliances are great for busy cooks, as you can set them and forget them. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking times and settings.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood to your chicken potato stew. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this dish. Just make sure to cook them separately and add them to the stew towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken

To start making your Chinese chicken potato stew, marinate your chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic for at least 30 minutes. This will give your chicken a flavorful taste that will complement the other ingredients in the stew.

If you prefer seafood, you can also use shrimp or crab meat as a substitute for the chicken.

Preparing Vegetables

While your chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Peel and chop your onion, garlic, carrot, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.

You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or celery to add more flavor and nutrients to your stew.

Making the Stew Base

Heat some vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Then add your tomato paste and stir for another minute.

Next, add your chicken (or seafood) to the pot and cook until it is browned on all sides. Add your chopped vegetables and stir for a few minutes until they are slightly softened.

Finally, add enough water to cover the chicken and vegetables, and bring the stew to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Serve your Chinese chicken potato stew hot with some steamed rice or crusty bread on the side.

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add some cornstarch mixed with water to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.

Incorporating seafood such as prawns or clams into your Chinese chicken potato stew is a great way to add extra depth of flavour. Prawns can be added at the same time as the chicken, while clams should be added towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they do not overcook.

Cooking Process

Stewing the Chicken

To cook Chinese chicken potato stew, start by tossing the chicken with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes. It will be even better if you can do this a few hours or the night before. Then, heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat and cook ginger, garlic, and spices for about 2 minutes until it's aromatic.

Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot and pan-fry until the meat turns white. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese rice cooking wine, and Sichuan Style Broad Bean Sauce. Mix and stir for another 1-2 minutes. Add one can of light beer (or substitute water) and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and let the chicken stew for about 30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.

Combining Ingredients

Once the chicken is cooked through, add the potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pot. Let them fry for a couple of minutes. Then, add the sauce mixture that you prepared earlier. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

You can also add seafood to the recipe to give it a unique flavour. Shrimp or prawns are great options that go well with the spices used in the stew. Simply add them to the pot along with the vegetables and let them cook for a few minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.

Serve the Chinese chicken potato stew as an entree. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a cold day. Enjoy it with some steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Serving and Pairings

When it comes to serving Chinese chicken potato stew, there are a few things to keep in mind. This hearty and comforting dish can be served on its own or paired with some accompaniments to make it a more substantial meal.

Accompaniments

Steamed rice is a classic accompaniment for Chinese chicken potato stew. The fluffy texture of the rice pairs well with the rich and savoury flavours of the stew. You can also serve the stew with noodles, such as Chinese LoMein or egg noodles, to make it a more filling meal.

If you're looking for a lighter option, try serving the stew with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy or broccoli. This will add some freshness and crunch to the meal, and help to balance out the richness of the stew.

Garnishing Suggestions

To add some extra flavour and visual appeal to your Chinese chicken potato stew, consider garnishing it with some sliced scallions or green onions. The sharp, oniony flavour of the scallions pairs well with the savoury flavours of the stew, and the bright green colour adds a pop of freshness.

You can also sprinkle some white pepper over the top of the stew for some extra heat and depth of flavour. This will add a subtle spiciness to the dish without overpowering the other flavours.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try adding some seafood to your Chinese chicken potato stew. Shrimp or prawns would be a great addition, as they would add some sweetness and brininess to the stew. Alternatively, you could try adding some squid or octopus for a more unusual twist. Just make sure to cook the seafood properly before adding it to the stew to avoid any food safety issues.

Chinese chicken potato stew is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and garnish it with scallions or white pepper, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a tender Chinese-style chicken stew?

The secret to a tender and flavourful Chinese-style chicken stew is to use bone-in chicken pieces with the skin on. This will help keep the chicken moist and tender during the cooking process. Additionally, marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before cooking can also help to tenderize the meat.

Can you share a straightforward method for making a Chinese chicken and potato stew?

Sure! To make a Chinese chicken and potato stew, start by browning the chicken pieces in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Then, add in the diced potatoes, carrots, onions, and any other vegetables you like. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients, along with soy sauce, rice wine, and spices like ginger, garlic, and star anise. Let the stew simmer for about an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

What ingredients go into a traditional Chinese chicken stew with potatoes and carrots?

A traditional Chinese chicken stew with potatoes and carrots typically includes bone-in chicken pieces with the skin on, diced potatoes and carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, and spices like star anise and cinnamon. Some recipes may also call for additional vegetables like mushrooms or bok choy.

How can I make a Chinese chicken potato stew more flavourful?

To make a Chinese chicken potato stew more flavourful, consider adding some seafood like shrimp or scallops to the recipe. Alternatively, you can add more spices like Sichuan peppercorns, dried chillies, or black pepper to give the stew a more complex flavour profile. You can also experiment with different types of broth, such as chicken or beef, to add more depth to the dish.

Is there an easy Chinese chicken potato stew recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, there are plenty of easy Chinese chicken potato stew recipes that are suitable for beginners. Look for recipes that use simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, such as browning the chicken and simmering the stew on the stove. You can also find recipes that use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make the process even easier.

What are the typical spices used in a Chinese chicken and potato stew?

The typical spices used in a Chinese chicken and potato stew include ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon. Some recipes may also call for additional spices like Sichuan peppercorns or dried chillies for a more spicy flavour.