Guilt-Free Indulgence: A Healthy Take on Traditional Chinese Braised Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

Chinese braised chicken with vegetables is a classic Chinese recipe that has been enjoyed for generations and is perfect for those who love savoury and flavourful food. Whether you're cooking for your family or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Essential Ingredients:

The essential ingredients for this dish are chicken, vegetables, and a variety of sauces and spices. The chicken can be any part of the bird, but chicken thighs are the most commonly used. Vegetables such as mushrooms, potatoes, and carrots are also used in this recipe. Soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and soybean paste are the main sauces used to give the dish its distinct flavour. Other flavourings include ginger, garlic, and star anise.

Cooking Equipment:

To make this dish, you will need a wok or a large frying pan, a spatula, and a ladle. A steamer is also useful if you want to cook rice to serve with the dish. If you don't have a wok, you can use a large frying pan instead.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese braised chicken with vegetables is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and perfect for those who love savoury and flavourful food.
• Essential ingredients for the dish include chicken, vegetables, and a variety of sauces and spices such as soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and soybean paste.
• You will need a wok or a large frying pan, a spatula, and a ladle to make this dish, and a steamer is useful to cook rice to serve with it.

Essential Ingredients

To make a delicious Chinese braised chicken and vegetables recipe, you need to have the right ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients you need to prepare.

Choosing Chicken

For this recipe, you can use either chicken thighs or wings. Chicken thighs are preferred because they are more tender and have more flavour. You can also use bone-in or boneless chicken. If you prefer, you can use seafood such as prawns or squid as a substitute for chicken.

Vegetable Selection

To add flavour and nutrition to your braised chicken, you can use a variety of vegetables. Some of the best vegetables to use include mushrooms, potatoes, and green peppers. You can also use other vegetables such as carrots, onions, and celery. Make sure to cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.

Key Seasonings and Sauces

To give your braised chicken a rich, savoury flavour, you need to use the right seasonings and sauces. Some of the key seasonings and sauces to use include ginger, garlic, and spring onions. You can also use soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce to add depth of flavour. If you prefer a spicier flavour, you can add some chilli flakes or Sichuan peppercorns.

The key to making a delicious Chinese braised chicken and vegetables recipe is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to cook everything slowly over low heat. By following these simple tips, you can create a mouth-watering dish that your family and friends will love.

Cooking Equipment

The Right Wok

To cook Chinese braised chicken and vegetables, you need the right wok. A wok is a versatile cooking vessel that allows you to cook a variety of dishes. When it comes to Chinese cuisine, a wok is an essential tool in the kitchen. It is a round-bottomed pan that is made of carbon steel, cast iron, or stainless steel.

Carbon steel woks are the most popular choice for Chinese cooking because they heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly. They are also lightweight and easy to handle. Cast iron woks are heavy and take longer to heat up, but they retain heat well and are great for searing and stir-frying. Stainless steel woks are durable and easy to clean, but they don't conduct heat as well as carbon steel or cast iron.

When choosing a wok, look for one that is at least 14 inches in diameter. This will give you enough space to cook a large amount of food without overcrowding the pan. A wok with a flat bottom is also a good choice if you have an electric stove.

Alternative Cookware

If you don't have a wok, you can still make Chinese braised chicken and vegetables using alternative cookware. A large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven can be used as a substitute for a wok.

When using a skillet, make sure it is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding the pan. A Dutch oven is a good choice if you want to braise the chicken and vegetables in the oven.

You can also use a slow cooker to make Chinese braised chicken and vegetables. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply add them to the wok or skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Make sure they are cooked through before serving.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

The key to a flavourful and tender braised chicken is marinating it beforehand. To marinate the chicken, mix together 2 teaspoons of salt, ¼ teaspoon of Chinese five spice powder, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 thumb of ginger, 2 green onions, and 1 tablespoon of Chinese cooking wine in a bowl. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Cutting Vegetables

For this recipe, we recommend using chestnuts, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, green peppers, and scallions. Cut the chestnuts, potatoes, and carrots into small cubes. Slice the mushrooms and green peppers into thin pieces. Cut the scallions into small rings.

Preparing the Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, and it is what gives the braised chicken its signature flavour. In a bowl, mix together 1.5 tablespoons of soybean paste, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce, ½ cup of dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rock sugar, 2 star anises, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, prawns or squid can be used. Simply add them to the marinade along with the chicken. The seafood will absorb the flavours of the marinade and the sauce, making it a delicious addition to the dish.

With these preparation techniques, you are ready to make a delicious Chinese braised chicken and vegetables recipe.

Cooking Process

Braising the Chicken

To start off, heat up some oil in a wok or a deep pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned. Then, add water to cover the chicken and bring it to a boil. Once it has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the pan during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Adding Vegetables

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. You can use any vegetables you like, but some good options include mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, and peppers. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Add the vegetables to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly softened. Then, add the chicken back to the pan and mix everything together.

Thickening the Sauce

To thicken the sauce, you can use cornstarch or potato starch. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Then, add the slurry to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens.

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a little bit of sugar to the pan as well. Be sure to taste the sauce as you go along and adjust the seasoning as needed.

That's it! Your Chinese braised chicken and vegetables are ready to be served. Enjoy with some steamed rice or noodles.

Serving and Pairings

Accompaniments

Chinese braised chicken and vegetables recipe is a classic comfort food that goes well with a variety of accompaniments. Steamed rice is the most popular accompaniment for this dish. You can use either white rice or brown rice, depending on your preference. If you want to add more flavour to your rice, you can add some chopped spring onions or scallions to it.

In addition to rice, you can also serve this dish with some steamed vegetables. Broccoli, bok choy, and snow peas are some good options. These vegetables will add some colour and nutrition to your meal. You can also add some seafood to your vegetables, such as shrimps or scallops, to make it more flavourful.

Garnishing Tips

Garnishing your Chinese braised chicken and vegetables recipe can make it look more appetizing and add some extra flavour to it. One simple garnishing tip is to sprinkle some chopped spring onions or scallions on top of the dish. This will add some colour and freshness to your meal.

Another garnishing tip is to add some sesame seeds or chopped peanuts to your dish. This will add some crunch and nuttiness to your meal. You can also add some chopped coriander or parsley to your dish to give it a more herbaceous flavour.

Nutrition Facts

Chinese braised chicken and vegetables recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrition facts of this dish will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the portion size. However, in general, this dish is low in calories and fat and high in protein and fibre.

If you want to make this dish even healthier, you can use brown rice instead of white rice and add more vegetables to it. You can also use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken thighs to reduce the fat content. If you are using seafood, you can use shrimp or scallops, which are low in fat and high in protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent my chicken from drying out while braising?

To prevent your chicken from drying out while braising, make sure to use enough liquid and keep the heat low. You can also cover the pot while cooking to trap in moisture. If you're using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, consider adding a bit of fat to the pot, such as olive oil or butter, to keep the meat moist.

What veggies go well in a Chinese-style braised chicken dish?

There are many vegetables that go well in a Chinese-style braised chicken dish, including carrots, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and bok choy. You can also add some seafood such as shrimp or scallops to the dish to enhance the flavour.

Could you suggest some tips for achieving the perfect braised chicken texture?

To achieve the perfect braised chicken texture, make sure to use the right cut of chicken, such as chicken thighs or drumsticks, which have more connective tissue and are more flavourful than chicken breasts. Cook the chicken low and slow, and make sure to keep the heat low to prevent the meat from drying out. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand to enhance the flavour.

What's the difference between braising and stir-frying chicken?

Braising involves cooking the chicken in a liquid, such as broth or wine, over low heat for a long period of time, while stir-frying involves quickly cooking the chicken over high heat in a small amount of oil. Braising results in a more tender and flavourful chicken, while stir-frying results in a crispy and slightly charred chicken.

How long should I braise chicken to ensure it's fully cooked but still tender?

The amount of time needed to braise chicken depends on the cut of chicken and the size of the pieces. Generally, chicken thighs or drumsticks should be braised for at least 45 minutes to an hour to ensure they're fully cooked but still tender. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

Are there any tricks to enhance the flavour when braising chicken with vegetables?

To enhance the flavour when braising chicken with vegetables, consider adding some aromatics, such as garlic, ginger, or scallions, to the dish. You can also use a flavourful liquid, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce, to add depth and complexity to the dish. Adding some seafood such as shrimp or scallops can also enhance the flavour of the dish.