Are you craving the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want to enjoy a homemade meal? Look no further than this recipe for the Best Ever Chinese Chicken! Packed with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this Chinese chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, grab your wok and get ready to create a delicious meal that will rival your favorite restaurant!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
For the Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 4 mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 pound snow peas, cut in half
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons white wine
- 1/2 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce. Stir well and let it sit for at least 5 minutes to marinate.
- Prep the Ingredients: Clean, cut, and prepare all the vegetables ahead of time. Also, mix together the ingredients for the sauce in a separate bowl.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat peanut oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and quickly stir-fry until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced green pepper and mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then, add the snow peas and cashews, and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes. Sprinkle ground ginger and cayenne pepper over the vegetables.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and stir everything together until well coated.
- Simmer and Serve: Cover the skillet and let the dish simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve the Chinese chicken over boiled white rice.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Extra Heat: For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or water chestnuts.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to reduce the carb content.
- Omit the cornstarch and replace it with xanthan gum or a keto-friendly thickener.
Low-Carb Version:
- Serve the Chinese chicken over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles instead of white rice to keep it low in carbs.
- Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit in place of brown sugar in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use other types of meat for this recipe? A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef, pork, or shrimp for variation.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance? A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and stir-fry them just before serving for a quick meal.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? A: Absolutely! Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly to feed more people.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
In conclusion, this recipe for the Best Ever Chinese Chicken is a winner when it comes to flavor, simplicity, and versatility. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and mouthwatering sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carb intake, or simply looking for a delicious meal to enjoy, this Chinese chicken dish ticks all the boxes. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this irresistible chicken stir-fry today!
