Chinese Spring Chicken Recipe: A Quick and Easy Guide

If you're looking for a delicious and comforting Chinese dish to make at home, look no further than Chinese spring chicken. This recipe features tender chicken cooked with fragrant ginger, garlic, and spring onion, resulting in a flavourful and aromatic dish that's perfect for any occasion.

To make Chinese spring chicken, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including chicken, ginger, garlic, and spring onion. You'll also need a few pantry staples, such as soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, to add depth of flavour to the dish. Once you have all your ingredients, you'll need to follow a few simple preparation techniques to get the chicken ready for cooking.

When it comes to cooking Chinese spring chicken, the process is relatively straightforward. You'll start by stir-frying the chicken with the ginger, garlic, and spring onion until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Then, you'll add the sauce ingredients to the pan and cook everything together until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is coated in a delicious glaze. Serve the dish with steamed rice and your favourite vegetables for a complete meal.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese spring chicken is a flavourful and aromatic dish that's perfect for any occasion.
• Essential ingredients for making this dish include chicken, ginger, garlic, and spring onion, as well as soy sauce and rice wine vinegar.
• To cook Chinese spring chicken, you'll need to stir-fry the chicken with the vegetables and sauce ingredients until everything is cooked through and coated in a delicious glaze.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese spring chicken, there are a few essential ingredients you will need to make the dish taste authentic and delicious. Here are the key ingredients you should have in your kitchen before you start cooking.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The first and most important ingredient for this recipe is, of course, chicken. You can use any part of the chicken, but we recommend using boneless and skinless chicken breast or thigh for a healthier option. Alternatively, you can use seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to add some variety to the dish.

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

To add flavour and texture to your Chinese spring chicken, you will need fresh vegetables and herbs. Spring onions, garlic, and ginger are the most important herbs for this dish. Other vegetables that you can use include bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. You can also add some green beans or asparagus to make the dish more colourful and nutritious.

Sauces and Seasonings

Sauces and seasonings are what give Chinese spring chicken its unique flavour. The most important sauces you will need are light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. You will also need some vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and corn starch to make the sauce. You can adjust the amount of salt and sugar to your taste preference.

Overall, these are the essential ingredients you will need to make Chinese spring chicken. By using fresh and high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that is healthy, delicious, and authentic. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to make the dish your own.

Preparation Techniques

Before you start cooking your Chinese Spring Chicken, it is important to prepare your ingredients properly. Here are some essential techniques you need to know:

Marinating the Chicken

To ensure that your chicken is flavourful and tender, it is important to marinate it overnight. You can use a marinade made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and sugar. You can also add some ginger, garlic, and spring onions to add more flavour.

If you want to incorporate seafood into your recipe, you can marinate prawns or scallops with the chicken. This will add a unique flavour to your dish.

Preparing the Vegetables

When preparing your vegetables, make sure they are clean and dry. You can use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Slice them thinly to make them easier to wrap.

If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can use prawns or squid. Make sure to clean and dry them properly before slicing them thinly.

Wrapping Methods

There are different ways to wrap your Chinese Spring Chicken. You can use spring roll wrappers or rice paper. To make your spring rolls extra crispy, you can use a cornstarch slurry to seal the edges.

When wrapping your chicken, make sure to fold the corners neatly to prevent the filling from falling out. You can also brush the wrappers with a wet towel to make them easier to handle.

By following these preparation techniques, you can ensure that your Chinese Spring Chicken is flavourful and well-presented. Incorporating seafood into your recipe can also add a unique twist to this classic dish.

Cooking Process

When it comes to making a delicious Chinese spring chicken dish, the cooking process is key. There are two main methods of cooking that work well with this dish: stir-frying and deep-frying. Let's take a closer look at these cooking methods and how to use them to create a mouth-watering chicken dish.

Stir-Frying Fundamentals

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine that involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or pan. To stir-fry chicken for this recipe, heat up a wok or pan over high heat with a tablespoon of canola oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry for about 10-15 seconds before adding the sauce. If you're using seafood, add it at this point. Keep stir-frying until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

To ensure that your stir-fry is a success, it's important to follow a few key tips. First, make sure that your wok or pan is hot before adding the oil and ingredients. This will help to prevent sticking and ensure that your food cooks evenly. Second, cut your chicken into thin slices so that it cooks quickly and evenly. Finally, be careful not to overcrowd your wok or pan. This can cause the temperature to drop and result in soggy, overcooked food.

Deep Frying for Crispiness

If you want to add an extra layer of crispiness to your chicken, you can also deep-fry it. To do this, heat up a pot of hot oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the pot and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

While deep-frying can be a delicious way to cook chicken, it's important to be careful when working with hot oil. Make sure that you use a pot that is deep enough to prevent splatters and keep a close eye on the temperature of the oil. Additionally, be sure to use a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, to prevent the oil from burning and smoking.

By following these cooking tips and techniques, you can create a delicious Chinese spring chicken dish that is sure to impress. So grab your wok or pan, heat up some oil, and get cooking!

Serving and Presentation

When it comes to serving and presenting your Chinese Spring Chicken, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you make a great impression on your guests.

Plating and Garnishes

The first thing to consider is how you will plate your chicken. A popular way to serve Chinese Spring Chicken is to place it on a bed of steamed rice, with the chicken arranged on top. You can also add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy, to the plate for some extra colour and nutrition.

Garnishes are an important part of Chinese cuisine, and Chinese Spring Chicken is no exception. A few sprigs of fresh coriander or chopped spring onions can add a pop of colour and freshness to your dish. You could also sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped peanuts over the top for some added texture.

Dipping Sauces and Accompaniments

Chinese Spring Chicken is delicious on its own, but it's even better when paired with the right dipping sauce. A classic dipping sauce for Chinese Spring Chicken is a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and a pinch of sugar. You could also try a sweet chilli dipping sauce or a hoisin sauce for a different flavour profile.

If you're serving Chinese Spring Chicken as an appetizer, you could also offer some other small dishes to accompany it. Steamed dumplings, spring rolls or prawn toast would all be great choices. If you're serving it as a main course, you could add some seafood to the dish, such as prawns or scallops, to make it more substantial.

Overall, serving and presenting your Chinese Spring Chicken is an important part of the dining experience. With a few simple touches, you can elevate your dish from a simple dinner to a restaurant-quality meal.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigeration Tips

After preparing your Chinese Spring Chicken, you may have some leftovers. To ensure that your leftovers stay fresh and safe to eat, you should store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before storing, make sure your leftovers have cooled down to room temperature. You can also use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the chicken before storing it.

Seafood can also be added to this recipe. If you decide to use seafood, it is important to refrigerate it immediately after cooking. Seafood should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days.

Reheating for Best Quality

When reheating your leftover Chinese Spring Chicken, it is important to do so properly to maintain its quality. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a pan on the stove. If you are using a microwave, make sure to cover the container with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. If you are using a pan, add a little bit of oil or water to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

If you have frozen your leftover chicken, it is important to defrost it properly before reheating. You can defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a bowl of cold water. Once the chicken has defrosted, you can reheat it using the methods mentioned above.

Overall, it is important to store and reheat your Chinese Spring Chicken properly to ensure its quality and safety. By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftovers without any worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a super crispy chicken in Chinese cooking?

The secret to a super crispy chicken in Chinese cooking is to coat the chicken in a cornstarch and egg mixture, which creates a crispy outer layer. You can also add baking powder to the mixture to create an even crispier texture. Another tip is to deep-fry the chicken in hot oil until it's golden brown and crispy.

How do you make a simple spring chicken with that authentic Chinese flavour?

To make a simple spring chicken with authentic Chinese flavour, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and garlic. You can also add other seasonings such as five-spice powder or oyster sauce for extra flavour. Then, stir-fry the chicken with vegetables such as spring onions, carrots, and bell peppers.

Can you recommend a traditional oven-baked Chinese spring chicken recipe?

A traditional oven-baked Chinese spring chicken recipe involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and garlic. Then, roast the chicken in the oven at 180°C for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through. You can also add vegetables such as potatoes and carrots to the roasting tray for a complete meal.

What's the best way to prepare a whole spring chicken with Chinese seasonings?

The best way to prepare a whole spring chicken with Chinese seasonings is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and garlic. Stuff the chicken with spring onions and ginger for extra flavour. Then, roast the chicken in the oven at 180°C for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through.

How do you incorporate ginger and spring onions for a classic Chinese chicken dish?

To incorporate ginger and spring onions for a classic Chinese chicken dish, finely chop the ginger and slice the spring onions into thin strips. Add them to the chicken during the cooking process, whether you're stir-frying or roasting the chicken. This will infuse the dish with the classic Chinese flavours of ginger and spring onions.

Could you tell me the calorie count for a typical serving of Chinese spring chicken?

A typical serving of Chinese spring chicken contains approximately 263 calories per serving. This is based on a recipe that uses chicken, ginger, garlic, and spring onions. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese spring chicken recipe, you can try adding prawns or scallops to the stir-fry. Simply cook the seafood separately and add it to the stir-fry at the end of the cooking process. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the dish.