Satisfy Your Cravings: Chinese Yam Chicken Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal that's easy to make, look no further than the Chinese yam chicken recipe. This classic dish combines tender chicken with the unique flavour and texture of yam, a root vegetable that's popular in traditional Chinese cuisine. Not only is it a tasty and filling meal, but it's also packed with nutrients that can help support your overall health and well-being.

To make this dish, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including cooking oil, minced garlic and ginger, chilli bean paste, dried chilli, and Sichuan peppercorns. You'll also need fresh chicken and Chinese yam, which you can find at most Asian grocery stores. Once you have all your ingredients, you'll need to follow a simple preparation method before cooking the dish over high heat.

Overall, the Chinese yam chicken recipe is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal that's easy to make. Whether you're a fan of traditional Chinese cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to try, this dish is sure to satisfy. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself how delicious and nutritious it can be?

Key Takeaways

• Chinese yam chicken recipe is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with the unique flavour and texture of yam.
• To make this dish, you'll need essential ingredients such as cooking oil, minced garlic and ginger, chilli bean paste, dried chilli, and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Chinese yam chicken recipe is a healthy and delicious meal that's easy to make and packed with nutrients that can help support your overall health and well-being.

Essential Ingredients

To make a delicious Chinese yam chicken recipe, you will need to have the following essential ingredients:

Primary Ingredients

• Chicken meat: You can use cornish hen or any other type of chicken meat you prefer.
• Chinese yam: This is the star of the dish. It is a starchy root vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. You can find it in Asian grocery stores.
• Oil: Any cooking oil of your choice can be used.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a nice aroma and flavour to the dish.
• Spring onion: This is used to garnish the dish and add a bit of freshness.
• Carrots and dates: These are optional ingredients that can be added to the dish for extra flavour and nutrition.

Seasonings and Flavours

• Soy sauce: A combination of light and dark soy sauce is used to add saltiness and depth of flavour to the dish.
• Oyster sauce: This is used to add a savoury umami flavour to the dish.
• Salt: To season the dish.
• Sugar: Used to balance the saltiness of the dish.
• Sesame oil: This is used to add a nutty flavour to the dish.
• Corn flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Shallots and minced garlic: These are used to add flavour to the dish.
• Cloves: These are used to add a hint of warmth to the dish.

Seafood can also be used in this recipe as a suggestion. You can use prawns or scallops as a substitute for chicken meat. However, it is important to note that the cooking time and method will differ when using seafood.

Preparation Method

Cleaning and Cutting

To prepare Chinese yam chicken, you will need to clean and cut the chicken into small pieces. Start by washing the chicken thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also parboil the chicken for 2-3 minutes in boiling water to get rid of excess oils and gunk. Once the chicken is clean, cut it into small pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.

Next, you will need to prepare the Chinese yam. Peel the yam using a vegetable peeler and cut it into small pieces. Be careful when handling the yam as it can be quite slippery.

If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply clean and peel the prawns or scallops and cut them into small pieces.

Marinating the Chicken

To add flavour to the chicken, you will need to marinate it. In a bowl, mix together the chicken pieces, Chinese yam, and any seafood you are using. Add in your preferred seasoning, such as salt, pepper, soy sauce, or oyster sauce. You can also add in other ingredients such as ginger, garlic, or spring onions to enhance the flavour.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavourful it will be.

Once the chicken is marinated, you can start cooking it. You can either boil the chicken or cook it over low heat. Boiling the chicken will make it tender and juicy, while cooking it over low heat will give it a crispy texture.

With these simple steps, you can prepare a delicious and flavourful Chinese yam chicken recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Cooking Process

Cooking the Chicken

To begin, rinse the chicken and parboil it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to remove any excess oils and gunk. Next, place the chicken in a pot along with dried scallops, dried red dates, dried honey dates, and water. Use an oil strainer to skim off any excess oil from the soup. Then, add Chinese yam and corn to the pot and season with salt and white pepper. Bring the soup to a boil and let it simmer for 1-2 hours until the chicken is fully cooked. You can add garlic and other herbs to enhance the flavour of the soup.

Preparing the Yam

Peel and dice the Chinese yam into small pieces. You can use either Shan Yao or Huai Shan for this recipe. Add the yam cubes to a pan along with chicken stock, cooking wine, and brown sugar. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. If you want to add seafood to the dish, you can use shrimp or scallops. Mix well and continue stir-frying for another 3 minutes until the yam is fully cooked.

This recipe is perfect for a healthy and hearty meal. It can serve up to 4-6 servings and can be served with rice vermicelli or as a standalone soup. You can also deep fry the chicken for a crispy texture. Overall, this recipe is a great way to incorporate Chinese yam into your diet and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal.

Serving and Presentation

Plating the Dish

To serve the Chinese yam chicken dish, you can place the chicken and yam mixture in the centre of a large plate. You can also place the dish on a bed of steamed rice to make it more filling. If you choose to use seafood in your recipe, you can add prawns or crab meat to the dish as an optional garnish.

Garnishing

Garnishing the dish with cilantro, spring onions, and chilies will add a pop of colour and flavour to the dish. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the dish for added crunch. If you prefer a spicy dish, you can add more chilies or use a spicy sauce. A drizzle of fish sauce or other sauces can also be added to enhance the flavour of the dish.

Overall, the Chinese yam chicken dish is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed with family and friends. By adding seafood to the dish, you can give it a unique twist and impress your guests with your culinary skills. So, go ahead and try this recipe, and don't forget to garnish it with your favourite herbs and spices for a beautiful presentation.

Health Benefits and Considerations

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal, then Chinese yam chicken soup is the perfect choice. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients that can help improve your overall health.

One of the key benefits of Chinese yam is that it's a good source of dietary fibre, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. It also contains a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, which can help support your immune system and keep your body healthy.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese yam is often used to nourish the kidneys and strengthen the spleen. It's also believed to have a yin-nourishing effect, which can help balance the body's energies and promote overall wellbeing.

When combined with chicken, Chinese yam can create a delicious and nutritious soup that's perfect for any meal. The addition of red dates can also help to improve digestion and provide a natural sweetness to the dish.

If you're looking to add some variety to your Chinese yam chicken soup, you could also consider adding some seafood. Shrimp or prawns would be a great addition to the dish, as they're high in protein and low in cholesterol. Alternatively, you could try adding some fish such as cod or salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help support heart health.

Overall, Chinese yam chicken soup is a healthy and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to improve your digestion, boost your immune system, or simply enjoy a tasty meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make a Chinese yam chicken dish?

One of the easiest ways to make a Chinese yam chicken dish is to stir-fry sliced chicken breast with sliced Chinese yam and some vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions. You can season the dish with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal.

How can I prepare Chinese yam chicken in a slow cooker?

To make Chinese yam chicken in a slow cooker, you can combine sliced chicken breast, sliced Chinese yam, chicken broth, sliced ginger, and some vegetables such as carrots, onions, and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Could you suggest a good Chinese yam chicken soup recipe?

A good Chinese yam chicken soup recipe is to simmer chicken bones, sliced Chinese yam, dried goji berries, and some vegetables such as carrots and onions in a pot of water for a few hours. You can add some sliced chicken breast for extra protein. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some seafood such as dried scallops or prawns for extra flavour.

What are some vegetarian alternatives for Chinese yam soup?

If you prefer a vegetarian version of Chinese yam soup, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the chicken. You can add some tofu or mushrooms for extra protein and flavour. You can also add some seaweed or kelp for extra nutrition.

What health benefits does Chinese yam soup offer?

Chinese yam soup is believed to have many health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and regulating blood sugar levels. Chinese yam is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.

How can Chinese yam be incorporated into daily cooking?

Chinese yam can be used in many ways in daily cooking such as stir-frying, steaming, boiling, and roasting. It can be used in soups, stews, and casseroles. You can also use it as a substitute for potatoes or sweet potatoes in recipes. For seafood lovers, Chinese yam can be paired with shrimp or crab meat for a delicious and healthy meal.