Cooking Made Easy: Simple Chinese Chicken Breast Recipes for Delicious Meals

Looking for a convenient, tasty, and healthy dinner option during the week? Consider trying these straightforward Chinese chicken breast recipes. Chicken breast is a versatile and lean protein that can be utilized in various dishes. Chinese cuisine offers a multitude of delicious options that are convenient and easy to prepare.

When it comes to selecting ingredients, fresh, high-quality ingredients are key to making delicious Chinese chicken breast recipes. Marinating techniques can also help to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try incorporating seafood into your recipe for an added twist. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to a stir-fry or noodle dish.

When it comes to cooking methods, stir-frying is a popular technique in Chinese cuisine that allows for quick and easy preparation. Authentic Chinese sauces can also add a lot of flavour to your dish, but be sure to read the labels carefully to avoid any added sugars or preservatives. Finally, when serving and pairing your dish, consider adding some steamed vegetables or brown rice for a complete and healthy meal.

Key Takeaways

• Simple Chinese chicken breast recipes are a quick and easy option for a healthy weeknight dinner.
• Fresh, high-quality ingredients and marinating techniques are key to making delicious Chinese chicken breast dishes.
• Stir-frying is a popular cooking method, and incorporating seafood or pairing with steamed vegetables or brown rice can add variety and nutrition to your meal.

Selecting Ingredients

When it comes to preparing Chinese chicken breast recipes, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some tips to help you select the best ingredients for your recipe.

Choosing the Best Chicken Breast

For Chinese chicken breast recipes, boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the best option. They are easy to work with and cook quickly. Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality chicken breasts from a reputable source. You can also use seafood like shrimp or scallops as an alternative to chicken.

Essential Chinese Flavours

Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions and sesame are essential Chinese flavours that you should have in your pantry. Soy sauce is used to add saltiness to the dish, while sesame oil adds a nutty flavour. Garlic and ginger add a pungent flavour to the dish, and green onions add a fresh and mild onion flavour. Sesame seeds are used for garnishing and add a nutty flavour to the dish.

When selecting these ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality products. Fresh garlic and ginger should be firm and not soft or wrinkled. Green onions should be crisp and bright green. Sesame seeds should be fresh and have a nutty aroma.

By using these essential Chinese flavours, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese chicken breast recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and ingredients to create your own unique recipe.

Marinating Techniques

Marinating chicken is a great way to add flavour and tenderness to your dish. Here are some techniques to help you marinate your chicken.

Creating a Savoury Marinade

A savoury marinade is perfect for adding flavour to your chicken. A basic marinade can be made using soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Mix these ingredients together and marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add garlic, ginger, and other spices to the marinade to enhance the flavour.

If you prefer a sweeter marinade, you can add honey or brown sugar to the mix. You can also use different types of vinegar to create a tangy marinade. Experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect marinade for your taste.

Velveting Chicken for Tenderness

Velveting chicken is a technique used to make the chicken more tender. To velvet chicken, you can use cornstarch or egg whites. Coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and water or egg whites and then cook it in hot oil or boiling water for a few minutes. After this, you can add the chicken to your stir-fry or other dish.

This technique can also be used for seafood such as shrimp or calamari. To velvet shrimp, use cornstarch or egg whites and then cook it in hot oil or boiling water for a few minutes. For calamari, use cornstarch and then deep fry it.

Try out these marinating techniques to create delicious and tender Chinese chicken dishes.

Cooking Methods

When it comes to cooking chicken breast, there are several methods you can use to achieve a juicy and delicious result. Here are two popular methods to consider:

Stir-Frying for Quick Meals

Stir-frying is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine that involves cooking small, bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables in a hot wok or frying pan with a small amount of oil. This method is perfect for quick meals as it allows you to cook your chicken breast in just a few minutes.

To stir-fry chicken breast, start by cutting it into small, thin pieces. Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it is cooked through. You can add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and onions to the wok for a more nutritious meal.

Baking for Healthier Options

Baking is a healthier option for cooking chicken breast as it requires little to no oil. It is also a great method for cooking larger portions of chicken breast at once.

To bake chicken breast, preheat your oven to 200°C. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until it is cooked through. You can also add vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions to the tray for a complete meal.

If you want to add seafood to your chicken breast recipe, you can try using prawns or scallops. Simply stir-fry or bake them with the chicken for a delicious and nutritious meal. Make sure to choose lean seafood options to keep the overall nutrition facts in check.

Authentic Chinese Sauces

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, sauces are an integral part of the dish. They add flavour and texture to the dish, and no Chinese dish is complete without a good sauce. Here are some authentic Chinese sauces that can be used to make simple chicken breast recipes.

Garlic Sauce Perfection

Garlic sauce is a savoury sauce that is perfect for chicken dishes. It is made with minced garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. To make the sauce, you need to sauté minced garlic in oil until it turns golden brown. Then add vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and sugar to the pan and cook for a few minutes. The sauce is ready to be used.

If you want to add seafood to your chicken dish, you can use prawns or scallops. They go very well with garlic sauce and give the dish a unique flavour.

Sweet and Sour Balance

Sweet and sour sauce is a classic Chinese sauce that is perfect for chicken breast recipes. It is made with ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. To make the sauce, you need to mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves.

If you want to add seafood to your dish, you can use shrimp or fish. They go very well with sweet and sour sauce and add a unique flavour to the dish.

Overall, these authentic Chinese sauces are perfect for simple chicken breast recipes. They are easy to make and add a unique flavour to the dish. So, next time you are making a chicken dish, try using one of these sauces and take your dish to the next level.

Serving and Pairing

Accompaniments

When serving Chinese chicken breast recipes, it is important to pair them with the right dishes to create a well-rounded meal. A serving of rice is a great accompaniment to most Chinese chicken breast dishes. You can serve it plain or add some flavour by making fried rice. Vegetables are another great accompaniment to these dishes. Broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, cabbage, and carrots are all great options. You can serve them stir-fried or steamed.

If you are looking for something different, you can try serving the chicken with noodles or pasta. Egg noodles or white rice noodles are great options. You can also add some seafood to the dish to make it more flavourful. Shrimp or scallops are great options that pair well with chicken.

Presentation Tips

When it comes to presenting your Chinese chicken breast dish, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before serving. This will make it easier for your guests to eat. You can also garnish the dish with some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add some colour and flavour.

Another tip is to serve the dish family-style. This means placing all of the dishes on the table and letting your guests serve themselves. This creates a more relaxed and casual atmosphere and allows everyone to try a little bit of everything.

In conclusion, when serving Chinese chicken breast recipes, it is important to pair them with the right accompaniments and present them in an appealing way. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and memorable meal for your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a simple way to make Chinese chicken breasts tender for dinner?

One simple way to make Chinese chicken breasts tender is to marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to break down the proteins in the chicken and make it more tender. You can also try cooking the chicken in a steamer or a slow cooker to keep it moist and tender.

Can you suggest an easy recipe for a Chinese chicken dish with minimal ingredients?

Yes, one easy recipe for a Chinese chicken dish with minimal ingredients is to stir-fry sliced chicken breast with garlic, ginger, and vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, and onions. You can season the dish with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, and serve it with rice or noodles. If you want to add seafood to the dish, you can try adding shrimp or scallops.

How do I create a crispy chicken coating like in Chinese cuisine?

To create a crispy chicken coating like in Chinese cuisine, you can coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and egg before frying it. You can also add some baking powder to the mixture to make it extra crispy. Another tip is to fry the chicken in hot oil until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside.

What are some famous Chinese chicken dishes I can cook at home?

Some famous Chinese chicken dishes that you can cook at home include Kung Pao chicken, General Tso's chicken, and sweet and sour chicken. These dishes are all made with a combination of chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and spicy sauce. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or crab to these dishes for added flavour.

Could you share a simple method for preparing chicken breast with rice in a Chinese style?

One simple method for preparing chicken breast with rice in a Chinese style is to stir-fry sliced chicken with garlic, ginger, and vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn. You can then add cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry everything together. Season the dish with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, and garnish with chopped scallions.

What's the secret to making a quick and easy sticky chicken?

The secret to making a quick and easy sticky chicken is to coat the chicken in a sticky sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. You can also add some garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for added flavour. To make the chicken sticky, you can brush the sauce onto the chicken before baking it in the oven or frying it in a pan. If you want to add seafood to the dish, you can try adding prawns or squid.