Easy Chinese Food Recipes With Chicken Breast to Try at Home

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy Chinese meal, you can't go wrong with chicken breast. Chicken is a versatile protein that can be used in a variety of Chinese dishes, from stir-fries to soups. Not only is it a great source of lean protein, but it's also low in fat and calories.

Essential ingredients for Chinese chicken recipes typically include soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. These ingredients are used to create a complex and flavourful sauce that can be used to marinate the chicken or as a stir-fry sauce. You can also add vegetables like broccoli, peppers, and carrots to make a complete meal.

When preparing chicken for Chinese dishes, it's important to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. You can also use a wok or a large skillet to stir-fry the chicken with vegetables and sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using seafood like shrimp or scallops in your Chinese chicken recipes for added flavour and texture.

Key Takeaways

• Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy protein that can be used in a variety of Chinese dishes.
• Essential ingredients for Chinese chicken recipes include soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
• Marinating the chicken and stir-frying with vegetables and sauce are important techniques for creating delicious Chinese chicken dishes.

Essential Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Recipes

When it comes to cooking Chinese chicken recipes, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have in your pantry. These ingredients will provide the foundation for the flavours of your dish and help to create that authentic Chinese taste you are looking for.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The first step in creating a delicious Chinese chicken recipe is choosing the right chicken. Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are fresh and free from any blemishes or bruises. Chicken thighs can also be used if you prefer a more succulent texture.

Key Chinese Sauces and Seasonings

Sauces and seasonings are essential ingredients in Chinese cooking, and there are a few that you will need for your chicken recipe:

• Soy sauce: This is a staple in Chinese cooking and adds a salty, umami flavour to your dish.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavour to your dish and is used as a finishing oil.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy flavour to your dish.
• Hoisin sauce: This is a sweet and savoury sauce that is often used in marinades and glazes.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savoury flavour to your dish and is often used in stir-fries.
• Cornstarch: Used as a thickener for sauces and marinades.
• Shaoxing wine: A Chinese cooking wine that adds depth of flavour to your dish.

Additional Flavour Enhancers

There are a few additional ingredients that you can add to your Chinese chicken recipe to enhance the flavour:

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, spicy flavour to your dish.
• Seafood: If you want to add some seafood to your dish, try using shrimp or scallops. They are both great options that pair well with chicken and Chinese flavours.

By using these essential ingredients, you can create a delicious Chinese chicken recipe that is full of flavour and authenticity.

Marinating and Preparing Chicken

Creating the Perfect Marinade

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, the marinade is an essential part of the recipe. It is the marinade that gives the chicken breast its unique flavour and tenderness. A good marinade should have a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavours.

To create the perfect marinade for your chicken breast, you will need to mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and cornflour. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, you can add a bit of honey or brown sugar. If you want a spicier marinade, you can add some chilli flakes or powder.

Marinating Techniques

Once you have created the perfect marinade, you will need to marinate the chicken breast. There are different techniques you can use to marinate your chicken. One technique is to place the chicken and marinade in a ziplock bag and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This technique is great if you are short on time.

Another technique is to use a vacuum sealer to marinate the chicken. This technique is ideal if you want the chicken to absorb the marinade more quickly. Simply place the chicken and marinade in a vacuum sealer bag and seal it. The vacuum sealer will remove the air from the bag and force the marinade into the chicken.

To ensure that the chicken breast is cooked evenly, it is important to slice it across the grain. This will make the chicken more tender and easier to chew.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese chicken recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply marinate the seafood in the same marinade as the chicken and cook it separately. You can then add the cooked seafood to the chicken dish just before serving.

Cooking Techniques and Utensils

When it comes to cooking Chinese food recipes with chicken breast, mastering the wok is essential. A wok is a versatile cooking utensil that can be used for stir-frying, deep-frying, and steaming. It is typically made of carbon steel and has a rounded bottom that allows for easy tossing of ingredients.

Mastering the Wok

To use a wok effectively, you need to heat it properly. Start by heating the wok over high heat until it begins to smoke. Then, add vegetable oil and swirl it around the wok to coat the sides. Once the oil is hot, you can add your chicken breast and other ingredients.

When stir-frying with a wok, it's important to keep the ingredients moving constantly. This helps to ensure that they cook evenly and don't stick to the bottom of the wok. You can use a spatula or a pair of chopsticks to stir the ingredients.

Stir-Frying Basics

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine that involves cooking ingredients in a small amount of oil over high heat. It's a quick and easy way to cook chicken breast and other ingredients.

To stir-fry chicken breast, start by cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces. Then, heat a skillet or wok over high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While stir-frying is the most common way to cook chicken breast in Chinese cuisine, there are other cooking methods that you can use. For example, you can pan-fry chicken breast by coating it in flour or breadcrumbs and frying it in a small amount of oil until it is golden brown.

Another alternative is to bake chicken breast in the oven. This is a healthier option that doesn't require any oil. Simply season the chicken breast with your favourite spices and bake it in the oven until it is cooked through.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding seafood to your Chinese chicken recipes. Shrimp and scallops are both great options that pair well with chicken breast. Simply stir-fry them together with the chicken and other ingredients for a delicious and flavourful dish.

Popular Chinese Chicken Dishes

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Chinese chicken dish, then you're in the right place. Here are some of the most popular Chinese chicken recipes that you can try at home.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy and flavourful dish that originates from the Sichuan province of China. It is made with diced chicken breast, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and dried chillies. You can also add seafood, such as shrimp or squid, to this dish to make it even more delicious.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a sweet and spicy dish that is popular in American Chinese cuisine. It is made with battered and fried chicken breast, which is then coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. You can also add seafood, such as scallops or prawns, to this dish to give it a seafood twist.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. It is made with battered and fried chicken breast, which is then coated in a sweet and sour sauce made with sugar, vinegar, and ketchup. You can also add seafood, such as fish or shrimp, to this dish to make it even more delicious.

When making these dishes, it's important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure that the dish comes out perfectly. You can also experiment with different vegetables and spices to make the dish even more flavourful.

So, why not try making one of these delicious Chinese chicken dishes at home today?

Serving and Pairing

Accompaniments and Side Dishes

When it comes to serving Chinese chicken dishes, there are plenty of accompaniments and side dishes that can complement the meal. Fried rice is a classic side dish that goes well with most Chinese chicken recipes. You can also serve steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

If you're looking for something a bit more substantial, stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, and carrots can add some colour and nutrition to the meal. A simple salad can also be a great addition to the meal, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of the chicken.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even incorporate seafood into your Chinese chicken recipe. Shrimp or prawns are a great addition to stir-fried dishes, while crab meat can be used to add some extra flavour to fried rice.

Balancing the Meal

When serving a Chinese chicken dish, it's important to balance the meal with a variety of flavours and textures. For example, if your chicken dish is quite rich and savoury, you may want to serve it with a lighter side dish such as steamed vegetables or a salad. On the other hand, if your chicken dish is quite mild, you may want to serve it with a spicier side dish such as stir-fried chilli peppers.

It's also important to consider the size of your servings. Chinese chicken dishes can be quite filling, so it's best to serve them in smaller portions alongside a variety of side dishes. This will help to ensure that your guests don't overeat and that the meal is balanced and satisfying.

In conclusion, when serving a Chinese chicken dish, it's important to consider the accompaniments and side dishes that will complement the meal. Whether you opt for classic fried rice or something a bit more adventurous like seafood, make sure to balance the meal with a variety of flavours and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to prepare a Chinese chicken breast dish?

One of the simplest ways to prepare a Chinese chicken breast dish is to stir-fry it with some vegetables and a sauce of your choice. You can marinate the chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for added flavor. You can also add some seafood like shrimp or scallops to the stir-fry for a more complex flavor.

How can I make a quick Chinese chicken dinner with minimal ingredients?

One of the quickest ways to make a Chinese chicken dinner with minimal ingredients is to make a simple chicken stir-fry. You can use chicken breast, vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and onions, and a sauce of your choice. You can also add some seafood like prawns or squid to the stir-fry to make it more interesting.

Could you suggest a straightforward recipe for sticky chicken?

To make a straightforward recipe for sticky chicken, you can marinate chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Then, bake the chicken in the oven until it's cooked through and sticky. You can also add some seafood like mussels or clams to the marinade for added flavor.

What's the secret to achieving tender chicken breast in Chinese cooking?

The secret to achieving tender chicken breast in Chinese cooking is to marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. You can also add some seafood like lobster or crab to the marinade for a more complex flavor.

Which part of the chicken is typically used in Chinese restaurant dishes, breast or thigh?

In Chinese restaurant dishes, both chicken breast and thigh are used. However, chicken breast is more commonly used in dishes that require a leaner meat, while chicken thigh is used in dishes that require a richer flavor.

Can you name some famous Chinese chicken dishes that I could try at home?

Some famous Chinese chicken dishes that you could try at home include Kung Pao chicken, General Tso's chicken, and sweet and sour chicken. You can also add some seafood like squid or shrimp to these dishes for added flavor.