Explore Easy Chinese Chicken Recipes for a Tasty Meal

If you want a simple and tasty way to change your chicken dishes, consider trying out Chinese cuisine. Chinese chicken dishes are famous for their rich flavours and distinctive ingredient blends, offering a great option to diversify your meal prep. Additionally, most Chinese chicken meals are fast and straightforward to make, ideal for hectic weekday evenings.

To get started with Chinese chicken cuisine, it's important to have a few essentials on hand. Soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce are all common ingredients in Chinese cooking, and can be used to add depth and flavor to your chicken dishes. You'll also want to have some ginger and garlic on hand, as these aromatics are frequently used in Chinese cuisine.

Some popular Chinese chicken dishes include Kung Pao chicken, sesame chicken, and General Tso's chicken. These dishes are often served with rice or noodles, and can be customized to your taste preferences. For a healthier option, consider stir-frying your chicken with a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas. And if you're feeling adventurous, consider adding some seafood to your Chinese chicken dishes – shrimp, scallops, and squid can all be used to add some extra flavor and texture to your meals.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese cuisine offers a variety of bold and flavorful chicken dishes that are perfect for adding some variety to your meal planning.
• Essential ingredients for Chinese chicken dishes include soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic.
• To make your Chinese chicken dishes healthier, consider stir-frying with vegetables or adding seafood to the mix.

Essentials of Chinese Chicken Cuisine

When it comes to Chinese chicken cuisine, there are a few key ingredients that you simply can't do without. These ingredients are what give Chinese chicken dishes their distinctive flavour and texture.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it's no different when it comes to chicken dishes. It adds a salty, umami flavour to the dish, and can be used as both a marinade and a seasoning.

Garlic

Garlic is another essential ingredient in Chinese chicken cuisine. It adds a pungent, savoury flavour to the dish and can be used both fresh and dried.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a fragrant oil that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It adds a nutty, toasty flavour to the dish and is often used as a finishing oil.

Ginger

Ginger is a root that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavour to the dish and is often used in marinades and sauces.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it's often used to add a tangy flavour to the dish. Chinese black vinegar is a popular choice, but rice vinegar can also be used.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent in Chinese chicken dishes. It helps to create a thick, glossy sauce that coats the chicken.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savoury sauce that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It adds a rich flavour to the dish and can be used as a dipping sauce or a marinade.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a thick, savoury sauce that is made from oysters. It adds a rich, umami flavour to the dish and can be used as a seasoning or a marinade.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is often used as a base for soups and stews in Chinese cuisine. It adds a rich, savoury flavour to the dish and can be used as a base for sauces and gravies.

Shaoxing Wine

Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It adds a rich, complex flavour to the dish and can be used as a marinade or a seasoning.

Rice Wine

Rice wine is another type of Chinese rice wine that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It adds a sweet, delicate flavour to the dish and can be used as a marinade or a seasoning.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a neutral-tasting oil that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It's often used for stir-frying and deep-frying.

Light Soy Sauce

Light soy sauce is a type of soy sauce that is lighter in colour and saltier in flavour than dark soy sauce. It's often used as a seasoning in Chinese cooking.

Chinese Black Vinegar

Chinese black vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from rice. It has a deep, rich flavour and is often used as a dipping sauce or a seasoning.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are often used as a garnish in Chinese chicken dishes. They add a nutty flavour and a crunchy texture to the dish.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your Chinese chicken dish, you might consider adding shrimp or scallops. They both have a delicate flavour that pairs well with chicken, and they can be cooked quickly and easily. Just be sure not to overcook them, or they'll become tough and rubbery.

Popular Chinese Chicken Dishes

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, chicken is a staple ingredient that is used in a variety of dishes. Here are some of the most popular Chinese chicken dishes that you can easily make at home:

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy stir-fry dish that originates from the Sichuan province of China. It is made with diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables and chili peppers. Szechuan peppercorns are also used to give the dish a unique numbing flavour. If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can use shrimp or squid.

Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken is a sweet and savoury dish that is made by coating chicken in a batter and frying it until it is crispy. The chicken is then tossed in a sauce made with soy sauce, honey, vinegar and sesame oil. This dish is often served with steamed rice and vegetables. If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can use prawns or scallops.

Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a simple stir-fry dish that is made with sliced chicken, vegetables and a sweet and savoury sauce. The sauce is made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger. This dish is often served with noodles or rice. If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can use crab or lobster.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish that is made by deep-frying chicken and then tossing it in a sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili peppers and garlic. This dish is often served with steamed broccoli and rice. If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can use shrimp or squid.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is made with battered chicken, vegetables and a sweet and sour sauce. The sauce is made with ketchup, vinegar, sugar and soy sauce. This dish is often served with rice or noodles. If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can use prawns or squid.

Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that is made by coating chicken in a batter and frying it until it is crispy. The chicken is then tossed in a sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, honey and ginger. This dish is often served with rice and vegetables. If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can use shrimp or scallops.

These popular Chinese chicken dishes are easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Try them out and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills!

Healthy Chinese Chicken Options

When it comes to Chinese food, it's easy to assume that it's not the healthiest option. However, there are plenty of healthy Chinese chicken recipes that you can make at home. Here are a few options that you can try out:

Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese chicken salad is a great option for those who want a light and healthy meal. It's typically made with shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, snow peas, and water chestnuts, all tossed together with a light dressing. You can also add some seafood to the mix, such as shrimp or crab, to give it an extra boost of flavour and nutrition.

Chicken and Broccoli

Chicken and broccoli is a classic Chinese dish that is low in calories and high in nutrition. It's typically made with chicken breast, broccoli, and a light sauce. You can also add some other vegetables, such as carrots or snow peas, to give it some extra flavour and nutrition. If you want to add some seafood to the mix, you can use shrimp or scallops.

Moo Goo Gai Pan

Moo goo gai pan is another classic Chinese dish that is low in calories and high in nutrition. It's typically made with chicken breast, mushrooms, cabbage, and other vegetables, all cooked together in a light sauce. You can also add some seafood to the mix, such as shrimp or squid, to give it an extra boost of flavour and nutrition.

When making these dishes, be sure to pay attention to the nutrition information and use healthy cooking methods, such as steaming or stir-frying. By doing so, you can enjoy delicious and healthy Chinese chicken dishes at home.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

When it comes to cooking Chinese food with chicken, there are a few key techniques and tips that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

High Heat Cooking

Chinese cuisine is known for its high heat cooking techniques. This means that you need to use a wok or a skillet that can handle high temperatures. A wok is the traditional tool for Chinese cooking, but a skillet can work just as well. Make sure to preheat your pan before adding any ingredients.

Stir-Fry Method

Stir-frying is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine. It involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat, while constantly stirring them in the pan. This method is perfect for cooking chicken, as it allows you to cook it quickly while keeping it tender and juicy.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a great way to add flavour and tenderize the meat. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own at home. A simple marinade can be made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Homemade Stir-Fry Sauce

Making your own stir-fry sauce is easy and can be customized to your liking. A basic stir-fry sauce can be made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. You can also add in other ingredients like sesame oil, oyster sauce, or chili paste to give it more flavour.

Seafood Option

If you're looking to switch things up, seafood is a great option for Chinese cooking. Shrimp or prawns are a popular choice, but you can also use scallops or squid. Make sure to cook seafood quickly over high heat to keep it tender and juicy. A simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger can work well with seafood too.

By following these tips, you can easily make delicious Chinese chicken dishes at home for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Try out a stir-fry recipe with marinated chicken and homemade sauce, and don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavours.

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving and pairing your easy Chinese chicken recipes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, Chinese cuisine is all about balance and harmony, so you want to make sure that your dishes are well-rounded and not too heavy on any one flavour or ingredient.

One of the most popular ways to serve Chinese chicken dishes is with rice. Whether you opt for traditional white rice or a healthier option like cauliflower rice, rice is a great way to soak up all of the delicious sauces and flavours in your dish. If you're looking for a bit of variety, you could also try serving your chicken with chow mein noodles, fried rice, or egg noodles.

Another classic pairing for Chinese chicken dishes is lo mein. This dish consists of soft, wheat-based noodles that are stir-fried with vegetables and a savoury sauce. Chicken lo mein is a popular variation, and it's easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, you could also try pairing your Chinese chicken dishes with seafood. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all popular options that can add a new dimension of flavour and texture to your meal. For example, you could try making a stir-fry with chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, or add some scallops to your chicken fried rice.

Finally, don't forget about appetizers! Chicken pot stickers are a classic Chinese dish that make for a great starter or snack. These dumplings are filled with a savoury mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices, and are typically steamed or pan-fried. Serve them with a dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a simple recipe for Chinese chicken stir fry?

If you're looking for a quick and easy Chinese chicken stir fry recipe, you can't go wrong with a classic combination of chicken, vegetables, and a savoury sauce. To make it, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces, along with your favourite stir fry vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, peppers, and onions. You can also add some seafood such as shrimp or squid if you like.

To prepare the stir fry, heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat, add some oil, and stir fry the chicken until it's browned and cooked through. Add the vegetables and stir fry until they're tender-crisp. Finally, add the sauce and stir fry until everything is coated and heated through. Serve with rice or noodles.

How do I make a Chinese chicken dish with just a few ingredients?

If you're short on ingredients, you can still make a delicious Chinese chicken dish with just a few basic pantry staples. For example, you can make a simple Chinese-style chicken and broccoli dish by stir frying chicken, broccoli, garlic, and ginger in a little oil, and then adding a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. You can also add some seafood such as scallops or prawns if you like.

Can you suggest an easy recipe for chicken breast in Chinese cuisine?

If you're looking for an easy recipe for chicken breast in Chinese cuisine, you might want to try making a simple sweet and sour chicken dish. To make it, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, along with some bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. You can also add some seafood such as crab meat or lobster if you like.

To prepare the sweet and sour chicken, coat the chicken in cornstarch and fry until golden brown. Then, stir fry the vegetables and pineapple until tender, and add a mixture of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce to make the sweet and sour sauce. Finally, add the chicken to the sauce and stir until everything is coated and heated through.

What are some quick Chinese chicken recipes using thighs?

If you prefer chicken thighs over chicken breast, you can still make plenty of quick and easy Chinese chicken recipes. For example, you can make a simple honey garlic chicken dish by stir frying chicken thighs with garlic, ginger, and honey, and then adding a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. You can also add some seafood such as prawns or mussels if you like.

How do I prepare Chinese-style chicken with potatoes?

If you want to make a Chinese-style chicken and potato dish, you can try making a simple stir fry with chicken thighs, sliced potatoes, and some stir fry vegetables such as carrots, onions, and peppers. You can also add some seafood such as squid or octopus if you like.

To prepare the stir fry, heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat, add some oil, and stir fry the chicken until it's browned and cooked through. Add the potatoes and stir fry until they're tender, and then add the vegetables and stir fry until they're tender-crisp. Finally, add a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and stir until everything is coated and heated through.

What's a straightforward way to cook Chinese chicken and rice?

If you want to make a simple Chinese chicken and rice dish, you can try making a basic chicken fried rice. To make it, you'll need cooked rice, diced chicken, eggs, and some stir fry vegetables such as peas, carrots, and onions. You can also add some seafood such as shrimp or crab meat if you like.

To prepare the fried rice, heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat, add some oil, and stir fry the chicken until it's browned and cooked through. Add the vegetables and stir fry until they're tender-crisp, and then add the cooked rice and eggs. Stir fry everything together until the eggs are cooked and the rice is heated through. Finally, season with soy sauce and serve.