Simple and Delicious Chinese-Style Chicken Recipes

If you are in search of a tasty and simple dish to prepare, then Chinese-style chicken recipes are the way to go. The Chinese cooking style is famous for its strong flavors and special methods, making it a preferred option for numerous home chefs. By using only, a handful of necessary ingredients and some simple cooking techniques, you can whip up a range of delicious meals that will surely wow your loved ones.

 

One of the great things about Chinese-style chicken recipes is that they are incredibly versatile. You can use a variety of different cuts of chicken, from boneless, skinless chicken breasts to bone-in thighs and drumsticks. Additionally, you can easily substitute other proteins, such as seafood, in many of these recipes. For example, you could add prawns or scallops to a stir-fry or use fish sauce in a marinade.

To get started with Chinese-style chicken recipes, it's important to have a few key ingredients on hand. These might include soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese rice wine. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as ginger, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns, to add even more flavour to your dishes. With these ingredients and a few simple cooking techniques, you can create a range of delicious Chinese-style chicken recipes that are sure to become family favourites.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese-style chicken recipes are versatile and easy to make, with a few essential ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
• You can substitute other proteins, such as seafood, in many of these recipes to add variety and flavour.
• Having a few key ingredients on hand, such as soy sauce and sesame oil, can help you create a range of delicious Chinese-style chicken dishes.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutes

When it comes to Chinese-style chicken recipes, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. Here are some of the key ingredients and possible substitutes that you can use:

Sauces and Seasonings

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking and is used to add saltiness and umami flavour to dishes. You can use light soy sauce or dark soy sauce, or a combination of both. If you don't have soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute.

• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is a fragrant oil that is often used to add flavour to Chinese dishes. You can use toasted sesame oil or plain sesame oil. If you don't have sesame oil, you can use peanut oil or vegetable oil instead.

• Ginger and Garlic: Ginger and garlic are commonly used in Chinese cooking to add flavour and aroma to dishes. You can use fresh ginger and garlic or ginger and garlic paste. If you don't have fresh ginger or garlic, you can use ground ginger and garlic powder as a substitute.

• Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce is a thick, dark sauce that is made from oysters and soy sauce. It is often used to add depth of flavour to dishes. If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or soy sauce instead.

• Shaoxing Wine: Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine that is often used in cooking. It is used to add flavour to dishes and to tenderize meat. If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or rice vinegar instead.

Chicken Selection and Preparation

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken breast and thighs are both great options for Chinese-style chicken recipes. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster, while chicken thighs are more flavourful and tender. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, or bone-in chicken if you prefer.

• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is often used to coat chicken before frying to make it crispy. It is also used as a thickener in sauces. If you don't have cornstarch, you can use potato starch or rice flour instead.

Vegetables and Accompaniments

• Vegetables: Chinese-style chicken recipes often include vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and onions. You can use any vegetables you like, or omit them altogether if you prefer.

• Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are often used as a garnish for Chinese-style chicken dishes. They add a nutty flavour and texture to the dish. If you don't have sesame seeds, you can use chopped peanuts or cashews instead.

• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is often used for frying chicken in Chinese-style recipes. You can use any neutral-flavoured oil such as canola oil or sunflower oil.

Seafood can also be a great addition to Chinese-style chicken recipes. Shrimp or scallops can be used as a substitute for chicken in stir-fry dishes. If you're using seafood, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating Methods

Marinating your chicken is a crucial step in Chinese cooking. It not only enhances the flavour but also helps to tenderise the meat. You can marinate your chicken in many different ways, but the most common ingredients are soy sauce, cooking wine, and ginger. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, honey, and sesame oil to create a unique flavour.

To marinate your chicken, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and add the chicken. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

Stir-Frying Essentials

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine. It involves cooking small pieces of food quickly over high heat in a wok or frying pan. The key to successful stir-frying is to have all the ingredients prepared beforehand and to cook them quickly.

To stir-fry your chicken, heat your wok or frying pan until it's hot. Add a small amount of oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it's browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Add your vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir-fry for another minute or until everything is cooked through.

Velveting Chicken

Velveting chicken is a Chinese cooking technique that involves coating the chicken in a mixture of cornflour and egg white before cooking. This method helps to keep the chicken moist and tender during cooking.

To velvet your chicken, mix together cornflour and egg white until it forms a paste. Add the chicken to the paste and stir to coat evenly. Let the chicken sit for 30 minutes. Heat your wok or frying pan until it's hot. Add a small amount of oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it's browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Add your vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir-fry for another minute or until everything is cooked through.

Seafood can also be used in Chinese-style chicken recipes. For instance, you can use prawns or squid to add more flavour and texture to your stir-fry. Make sure to cook seafood separately from the chicken and add it to the dish at the end of the cooking process.

Popular Chinese Chicken Dishes

If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you must have tried some of the popular chicken dishes. Chinese chicken dishes are known for their unique flavours and ingredients. Here are some of the popular Chinese chicken dishes that you can easily make at home.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy and flavourful dish that is popular in Sichuan cuisine. It is made with marinated chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce. The sauce is made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and Sichuan peppercorns. You can adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less chili flakes. If you want to add seafood to this dish, you can add prawns or squid.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine. It is made with deep-fried chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and tangy sauce. The sauce is made with soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes. This dish is usually served with rice or noodles. If you want to add seafood to this dish, you can add shrimp or scallops.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. It is made with deep-fried chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and sour sauce. The sauce is made with sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. This dish is usually served with rice or noodles. If you want to add seafood to this dish, you can add prawns or fish.

Moo Goo Gai Pan

Moo Goo Gai Pan is a simple and healthy Chinese chicken dish. It is made with chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables. The sauce is made with chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. This dish is usually served with rice. If you want to add seafood to this dish, you can add shrimp or scallops.

These are just a few of the popular Chinese chicken dishes that you can make at home. Experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create your own unique dishes.

Healthier Alternatives and Nutritional Insights

When it comes to Chinese-style chicken recipes, there are many ways to make them healthier without sacrificing taste. Here are some tips for creating delicious, nutritious meals that won't break the calorie bank.

Calorie-Conscious Options

If you're watching your weight, there are plenty of ways to cut calories in your Chinese chicken dishes. First, consider using skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks. This will significantly reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories in your meal. Additionally, you can try baking or grilling your chicken instead of frying it. This will not only reduce the calorie count, but also eliminate the need for added oil.

Another way to cut calories is to use plenty of vegetables in your dish. Vegetables are low in calories but high in fiber, which will help you feel full and satisfied. Consider using broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and water chestnuts in your Chinese chicken stir-fry.

Low-Sodium and Low-Sugar Variations

If you're concerned about your sodium or sugar intake, there are a few things you can do to make your Chinese-style chicken dishes healthier. First, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari in your recipes. This will significantly reduce the amount of sodium in your meal without sacrificing flavor.

Another way to reduce sodium is to use plenty of herbs and spices in your dishes. Garlic, ginger, and green onions are all flavorful additions that can help you cut back on salt.

When it comes to sugar, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar. You can also try using fresh fruit like oranges or pineapple to add sweetness to your dishes.

Seafood Suggestions

For a healthier twist on Chinese-style chicken recipes, consider using seafood instead. Shrimp, scallops, and white fish are all great options that can be used in stir-fries, soups, and other Chinese dishes. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks much faster than chicken.

In conclusion, there are many ways to make Chinese-style chicken recipes healthier and more nutritious. By using skinless chicken breasts, plenty of vegetables, low-sodium soy sauce, and natural sweeteners, you can create delicious meals that are good for you too. And don't forget to experiment with seafood for a tasty twist on classic Chinese dishes.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Plating Techniques

When it comes to serving your Chinese-style chicken, there are a few plating techniques that you can use to make your dish look more visually appealing. One popular technique is to arrange the chicken on a bed of steamed jasmine rice, which not only adds texture but also helps to soak up any sauce that you serve with the chicken. Another technique is to use chopsticks to arrange the chicken in a neat pile, which can add a touch of elegance to your dish.

Garnishing for Visual Appeal

Garnishing your chicken with green onions and sesame seeds is a great way to add some visual appeal to your dish. Simply sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken before serving. If you want to get creative, you can also try using other types of garnishes, such as thinly sliced cucumbers or carrots.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding some seafood to your Chinese-style chicken recipe. Shrimp or scallops are great options that pair well with the flavours of the chicken. Simply cook the seafood separately and add it to the chicken dish just before serving.

Remember, the presentation of your dish is just as important as the taste. With these simple plating and garnishing techniques, you can elevate your Chinese-style chicken dish to a whole new level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a simple Chinese-style chicken curry at home?

A simple Chinese-style chicken curry can be made by cooking chicken pieces in a mixture of curry powder, coconut milk, and Chinese five-spice powder. You can also add some vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions to the curry to make it more nutritious. If you like, you can replace the chicken with seafood like prawns or fish.

What's a quick and easy Chinese chicken recipe for a weeknight dinner?

A quick and easy Chinese chicken recipe for a weeknight dinner is a stir-fry. You can make a simple stir-fry with just chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. You can also add some vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition. If you like, you can replace the chicken with seafood like squid or scallops.

Can you suggest a simple Chinese marinade for chicken?

A simple Chinese marinade for chicken can be made by mixing soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least an hour before cooking. If you like, you can replace the chicken with seafood like shrimp or crab.

What are some Chinese chicken dishes I can make with just a few ingredients?

Some Chinese chicken dishes you can make with just a few ingredients are Chinese almond chicken, Hunan chicken, and garlic chicken. These dishes require only a handful of ingredients but are packed with flavour. If you like, you can replace the chicken with seafood like lobster or clams.

How can I prepare a tender Chinese-style chicken breast?

To prepare a tender Chinese-style chicken breast, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the meat and give it a nice flavour. If you like, you can replace the chicken with seafood like salmon or mussels.

Could you list some Chinese chicken recipes that go well with rice?

Some Chinese chicken recipes that go well with rice are chicken fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, and Kung Pao chicken. These dishes are easy to make and can be served with steamed rice. If you like, you can replace the chicken with seafood like prawns or squid.