Weeknight Dinner Win: Easy Chinese Chicken Curry Recipe
If you want a flavoursome meal that's quick and simple to make, an easy Chinese chicken curry recipe is an ideal option. This dish is great for beginners in the kitchen or anyone craving a straightforward yet tasty meal that can be whipped up in no time.
To make this dish, you'll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. These include chicken, onions, peppers, green peas, and homemade curry sauce. You can also add other ingredients to this recipe, such as seafood, to give it a unique and delicious flavour.
Preparing this dish is easy and straightforward. All you need to do is cook the chicken and vegetables in a pan, add the curry sauce, and let it simmer for a few minutes. The end result is a delicious and flavourful dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients and Substitutions
When it comes to making easy Chinese chicken curry, the ingredients you use can make all the difference. Here are the main ingredients, sauce components, vegetable add-ins, and protein variations that you can use to create a delicious Chinese chicken curry dish.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients for Chinese chicken curry include chicken, curry powder, onions, garlic, oil, and chicken stock. You can use either chicken breast or chicken thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute tofu for the chicken.
Sauce Components
To make the curry sauce, you will need soy sauce, cornstarch, and curry powder. You can adjust the amount of curry powder to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a small amount of honey or brown sugar.
Vegetable Add-Ins
You can add a variety of vegetables to your Chinese chicken curry to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Some popular options include peas, carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms, green beans, cauliflower, and eggplant. You can use any combination of these vegetables, depending on what you have on hand.
Protein Variations
If you want to mix things up, you can use different types of protein in your Chinese chicken curry. For example, you can substitute beef for the chicken or add seafood such as shrimp or scallops. If you do decide to use seafood, make sure to cook it separately and add it to the curry at the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
By using the right combination of ingredients and substitutions, you can create a delicious and easy Chinese chicken curry dish that your whole family will love.
Preparation Overview
If you're looking for a quick and easy Chinese chicken curry recipe, you've come to the right place. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious and flavourful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here's an overview of the preparation process:
Marinating the Chicken
The first step in preparing this Chinese chicken curry recipe is to marinate the chicken. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, depending on your preference.
To marinate the chicken, mix together soy sauce, rice wine, and cornflour in a bowl. Add the chicken and mix until the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cooking Sequence
Once the chicken is marinated, it's time to start cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide to the cooking sequence:
- Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
- Add curry sauce (store-bought or homemade) and bring to a simmer.
- Add vegetables such as onions, peppers, and green peas and stir-fry until tender.
- Add salt and sugar to taste.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Thickening the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken the curry sauce with a cornflour or cornstarch slurry. To make the slurry, mix together cornflour or cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until thickened.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to this recipe. Shrimp or prawns are a great addition and can be cooked alongside the chicken. Make sure to properly clean and devein the seafood before adding it to the dish.
Cooking Techniques
Stir-Frying Basics
Stir-frying is a quick and easy cooking method that involves cooking food over high heat in a small amount of oil. It is a great way to cook Chinese chicken curry, as it allows the chicken to cook quickly and retain its moisture. To stir-fry chicken, heat your wok or pan until it is hot, add a small amount of oil, and then add the chicken. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Simmering Curry
Once you have stir-fried the chicken, it's time to add the curry sauce. To make the sauce, combine chicken stock, curry powder, turmeric, Chinese five spices, salt, sugar, corn starch, and plain flour in a saucepan. Stir the mixture over low-medium heat until it thickens. Then, add the sauce to the stir-fried chicken and simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is coated in the sauce and the flavours have melded together.
Balancing Flavours
To get the perfect balance of flavours in your Chinese chicken curry, you need to pay attention to the ingredients you're using. For example, if the sauce is too sweet, you can balance it out by adding more salt. If it's too salty, you can add a little more sugar. You can also adjust the amount of spices you're using to suit your taste. If you like your curry to be spicy, add more Chinese five spice or ginger. If you prefer a milder flavour, use less.
When it comes to the type of oil you use, it's best to use an oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil. This will prevent the oil from burning and smoking, which can affect the flavour of the curry. You can also use unsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil, for a healthier option.
If you're looking to mix things up, you can also try adding seafood to your Chinese chicken curry. Shrimp, scallops or even crab meat can be a great addition to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks much faster than chicken.
Serving and Pairing
Once you have prepared your delicious Chinese chicken curry, it is time to think about how to serve and pair it. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your meal.
Accompaniments
Rice is the perfect accompaniment for Chinese chicken curry. You can choose from steamed rice, egg fried rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice, depending on your preference. A portion of rice typically serves one person, but you can adjust the serving size according to your appetite.
If you want to add some seafood to your meal, you can try adding prawns or squid to your curry. These seafood options go well with the curry sauce and add a unique flavour to the dish.
Garnishing Tips
To add some extra flavour and texture to your Chinese chicken curry, you can garnish it with some fresh herbs or vegetables. Some popular options include chopped spring onions, coriander, or sliced red chillies. You can also add some roasted cashew nuts or sesame seeds for a crunchy texture.
Another way to enhance the flavour of your curry is by serving it with some pickles or chutneys. You can try some mango chutney or lime pickle to add a tangy and sweet flavour to your meal.
In summary, serving and pairing your Chinese chicken curry is simple and easy. Just add some rice and garnishes of your choice to create a delicious and satisfying meal. If you want to experiment with different flavours, try adding some seafood or pickles to your curry.
Storage and Reheating
When it comes to chicken curry, it's always better to make more than you need, so you can enjoy it later. But how do you store and reheat your leftovers? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Chinese chicken curry:
Storing Leftovers
Firstly, let your curry cool down to room temperature before storing it. Once it has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Your leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing and Defrosting
If you want to store your chicken curry for longer, you can freeze it. Transfer your curry to a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply defrost it in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating.
To reheat your curry, you can use a microwave or a stove. If you're using a microwave, transfer your curry to a microwave-safe dish and heat it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you're using a stove, transfer your curry to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
If you want to add some variety to your Chinese chicken curry, you can try using seafood instead of chicken. Prawns or scallops work well in this recipe, and they add a delicious flavour to the curry. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks faster than chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the trick to getting that authentic takeaway flavour in a homemade Chinese chicken curry?
The key to achieving that authentic takeaway flavour is to use the right spices and ingredients. A combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and curry powder, along with ginger and garlic, can give your dish that perfect flavour. You can also use chicken stock or bouillon cubes to enhance the taste. Additionally, marinating the chicken in soy sauce and Chinese five-spice powder before cooking can also help achieve that authentic flavour.
Can you show me how to make a Chinese chicken curry with coconut milk?
Yes, you can make a Chinese chicken curry with coconut milk. Instead of using cream or yoghurt, you can use coconut milk to give your curry a creamy texture. Simply substitute the cream or yoghurt with coconut milk in your recipe. You can also add some lime juice and zest to give your curry a tangy flavour.
What are the essential ingredients for a delicious Chinese curry sauce?
The essential ingredients for a delicious Chinese curry sauce include onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chicken stock, soy sauce, and cornstarch. You can also add some chilli flakes or fresh chillies for some heat. Additionally, you can add some vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and green beans to your sauce for added nutrition and flavour.
How do I make a Chinese chicken curry in a slow cooker without losing flavour?
To make a Chinese chicken curry in a slow cooker without losing flavour, you should first brown the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to seal in the flavour of the chicken. You should also add the spices, vegetables, and chicken stock to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking process. This will allow the flavours to develop and enhance over time. Finally, you can add some coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process to give your curry a creamy texture.
What's the secret to a rich and tasty Chinese chicken curry like the Hairy Bikers' version?
The secret to a rich and tasty Chinese chicken curry like the Hairy Bikers' version is to use a combination of spices and ingredients that complement each other. The Hairy Bikers' recipe includes coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, along with chicken stock, cream, and yoghurt. Additionally, they use onion, garlic, and ginger to enhance the flavour of the dish. You can also add some seafood like prawns or scallops to give your curry a unique twist.
How can I make my chicken curry taste better using simple ingredients?
To make your chicken curry taste better using simple ingredients, you can add some lemon juice or vinegar to give your dish a tangy flavour. You can also add some honey or brown sugar to balance out the flavours. Additionally, you can add some vegetables like peas, carrots, and green beans to your curry to add some nutrition and texture. Finally, you can add some seafood like shrimps or squid to give your curry a seafood twist.