Discover a New Chinese Recipe: Chicken with Chestnut

Explore a new comforting and flavourful dish, the chicken with chestnut Chinese recipe. This classic Shanghai dish is easy to prepare and is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The juicy meat is the by-product of the slow cooking process, and the umami flavours of the succulent shiitake mushrooms make it an instant hit.

To make this dish, you'll need chicken, chestnuts, star anise, bay leaves, Shaohsing cooking wine, soy sauce, soybean sauce, fresh ginger, olive oil, sugar, and salt. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding seafood to the recipe. Shrimp would be a great option, as it pairs well with the chestnuts and soy sauce.

To prepare the chicken with chestnut Chinese recipe, start by browning the chicken in a pan with olive oil. Then, add the chestnuts, star anise, bay leaves, ginger, and seasoning. Pour in the cooking wine and soy sauce, and let the mixture simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Serve hot with rice and enjoy the comforting flavours of this classic dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chicken with chestnut Chinese recipe is a classic Shanghai dish that is easy to prepare and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
• The dish is made with chicken, chestnuts, and a variety of seasonings, and can be customized with the addition of seafood such as shrimp.
• Serve hot with rice for a comforting and flavourful meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Main Ingredients

The main ingredients of the Chinese chicken with chestnut recipe are chicken and chestnuts. You can use either a whole chicken or chicken thigh for this recipe. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use skinless and boneless chicken breast. For chestnuts, you can use either fresh or frozen ones. Fresh chestnuts are usually available in the fall season. However, if you can't find fresh chestnuts, you can use frozen ones which are available year-round.

Sauce Components

The sauce for this recipe is made up of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and starch. You can use either cornstarch or potato starch for this recipe. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more sugar. If you want a spicier taste, you can add garlic or chilli.

Optional Additions

You can add various vegetables to this recipe, such as carrots and corn. If you want to add seafood to this recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. However, keep in mind that seafood requires less cooking time than chicken, so you should add it towards the end of the cooking process.

To cook this recipe, you will need vegetable oil or olive oil, ginger, star anise, scallions, and shiitake mushrooms. You can substitute shiitake mushrooms with other types of mushrooms if you prefer.

The ingredients for this recipe are easy to find and can be substituted according to your preference.

Preparation Techniques

Cleaning and Cutting

Before starting the preparation process, it is essential to clean the chicken thoroughly. You can use either a whole chicken or chicken thighs and wings. Remove the skin and fat from the chicken pieces and cut them into small bite-sized pieces.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in the preparation process as it adds flavour to the dish. Marinate the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaohsing cooking wine, and fresh ginger. Keep the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

If you are looking for an alternative to chicken, seafood like prawns or scallops can be used as well. Prawns can be marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and chilli flakes, while scallops can be marinated in lemon juice and olive oil.

Preparing Chestnuts

Chestnuts are a vital ingredient in this dish and add a nutty flavour to the chicken. You can use either raw or roasted chestnuts. If you are using raw chestnuts, start by making a small cut on the flat side of the chestnut. Boil the chestnuts in water for 10-15 minutes, then remove the outer shell and skin.

If you are using roasted chestnuts, remove the outer shell and skin and chop them into small pieces.

Dried shiitake mushrooms can also be added to the dish to enhance its flavour. Soak the mushrooms in water for 30 minutes before cooking.

By following these preparation techniques, you can make a delicious braised chicken with chestnuts dish.

Cooking Process

Braising the Chicken

To begin making Chinese braised chicken with chestnuts, you will need to prepare the chicken. Start by using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which will add flavour and moisture to the dish. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Next, heat up some cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. This will help to seal in the juices and create a crispy skin. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Combining Ingredients

In the same pot, add some aromatics such as ginger, garlic, and green onions. Sauté them until fragrant. Then, add the chestnuts and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they are slightly browned.

Add the chicken back into the pot, along with some Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce. These ingredients will provide a depth of flavour and a natural sweetness to the dish. You can also add some hot water to cover the chicken and chestnuts.

Final Touches

Cover the pot and let the chicken braise for about an hour, or until the chicken is tender and the chestnuts are soft. You can also transfer the pot to the oven and cook it at 180°C for an hour.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Strain the gravy and discard the solids. Return the gravy to the pot and simmer it until it thickens and becomes glossy.

You can serve the Chinese braised chicken with chestnuts with steamed rice and some blanched greens, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli. If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can use some prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the pot in the last few minutes of cooking, until they are cooked through.

Enjoy your delicious Chinese braised chicken with chestnuts!

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Chicken with chestnut is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rice: A bowl of steaming hot rice is the perfect accompaniment to this dish. The mild flavour of the rice complements the rich and savoury flavour of the chicken and chestnuts. You can use white rice or brown rice depending on your preference.

• Noodles: If you're in the mood for something different, try serving this dish with noodles. Egg noodles or rice noodles work well. The noodles absorb the flavour of the sauce and add a nice texture to the dish.

• Green Onions: Adding some thinly sliced green onions to the dish just before serving adds a fresh and zesty flavour. The green onions also add a pop of colour to the dish.

• Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are a classic ingredient in this dish, but you can use any type of mushroom you like. The mushrooms add a meaty texture to the dish and complement the flavour of the chicken and chestnuts.

• Seafood: For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add seafood to the dish. Shrimp or scallops work well. Simply add them to the dish in the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking them.

Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to serving this dish. Here are a few tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:

• Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or coriander adds a pop of colour to the dish and makes it look more appetising.

• Serve in a Bowl: This dish has a lot of sauce, so it's best to serve it in a bowl rather than a plate. This way, you can spoon the sauce over the rice or noodles and enjoy every last drop.

• Arrange the Chicken and Chestnuts: Try arranging the chicken and chestnuts in a circular pattern on top of the rice or noodles. This makes the dish look more visually appealing.

• Serve with Chopsticks: For an authentic touch, serve the dish with chopsticks. This also makes it easier to pick up the chicken and chestnuts without getting sauce all over your hands.

Enjoy your delicious chicken with chestnut dish with these suggestions!

Nutritional Information

If you're looking for a healthy and nutritious meal, chicken with chestnut is an excellent option. This dish is packed with protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, as well as for maintaining a healthy immune system.

One serving of chicken with chestnut contains approximately 250 calories, making it a great choice for those who are trying to watch their calorie intake. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium.

If you're looking to add even more nutritional value to this dish, you could consider adding some seafood to the recipe. For example, you could add some prawns or scallops to the braising liquid, which would add some extra protein and omega-3 fatty acids to the dish.

When it comes to seafood, it's important to choose sustainable options that are low in mercury. Some good choices include wild-caught salmon, sardines, and mackerel. These fish are all high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and brain function.

Overall, chicken with chestnut is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare. By adding some seafood to the recipe, you can make it even more nutritious and flavourful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare chestnuts for a chicken dish?

Before adding chestnuts to your chicken dish, you need to prepare them first. Start by washing the chestnuts and making a small cut on the top of each one. This will help prevent them from exploding during cooking. Then, roast them in the oven or boil them until they are soft and easy to peel. Once they are peeled, you can use them in your chicken recipe.

What's the best way to roast chicken with chestnuts?

Roasting chicken with chestnuts is a great way to add flavour to your dish. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C. Then, season your chicken with salt and pepper and place it in a roasting pan. Add the peeled chestnuts to the pan and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the chestnuts are golden brown.

Can you share tips for making a chicken and chestnut casserole?

A chicken and chestnut casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold evenings. To make it, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot. Add your chicken and cook until browned. Then, add your peeled chestnuts, vegetables of your choice, and chicken stock. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the chestnuts are tender.

What are the key spices for a stir-fried chicken and chestnuts meal?

When stir-frying chicken with chestnuts, you can use a variety of spices to add flavour. Some popular options include ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. You can also add chilli flakes or Szechuan peppercorns for a spicy kick. If you want to add seafood to the dish, prawns or scallops would be a good choice.

How long should you braise chicken with chestnuts for optimal flavour?

Braising chicken with chestnuts is a slow-cooking method that allows the flavours to develop over time. To get optimal flavour, you should braise your chicken for at least 1-2 hours. This will ensure that the chicken is tender and the chestnuts are soft and infused with flavour.

Is there a secret to creating a rich chicken and chestnut soup?

To create a rich chicken and chestnut soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot. Add your chicken and cook until browned. Then, add your peeled chestnuts, vegetables of your choice, and chicken stock. Simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the chestnuts are tender. For an extra rich flavour, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk. If you want to add seafood to the soup, prawns or crab meat would be a good choice.