Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful chicken dish that is both easy to make and satisfying, look no further! This recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that is sure to please your taste buds. Perfect for serving over rice or noodles, this dish brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
– 1/3 cup soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Chicken:
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Pinch of pepper
– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
– Oil for frying
– Chopped green onion for garnish
Prep Time
Preparation for this dish takes approximately 15 minutes, allowing you to get everything organized and ready for cooking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 20 minutes, making the total time for this recipe around 35 minutes. This dish yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
Now that you have the ingredients and an overview of the preparation, you’re ready to dive into the cooking process and enjoy this delightful chicken dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is well combined and set aside for later use.
Coat the Chicken
In another bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Add the bite-size chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated with the cornstarch mixture.
Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Cook the Sauce
In a separate pan, pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously. Monitor the sauce until it thickens to a desirable consistency.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened sauce, tossing them gently to ensure that all the pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish the dish with chopped green onions just before serving, adding a fresh touch to your meal.
Notes
Adjusting Spice Level
You can adjust the level of heat in the sauce by varying the amount of chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Chicken Alternatives
Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Sauce
Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl to ensure even distribution of flavors and proper thickening when cooked.
Coating the Chicken
Combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl and ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated for a crispy texture when fried.
Deep Frying
Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok until hot, then fry coated chicken pieces in batches to achieve a golden brown color and thoroughly cook them through.
Thickening the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into a separate pan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning until it thickens.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce is thickened, add the fried chicken pieces, tossing them to ensure an even coating of sauce for balanced flavor.
Garnishing the Dish
Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped green onions on top, adding a fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or vegetables depending on your dietary preferences.
What can I use as a substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it until needed.
What oil is best for frying?
Use oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying.
Is it necessary to garnish with green onions?
While not necessary, garnishing with green onions adds a fresh flavor and enhances the presentation of the dish.
Conclusion
The combination of crispy fried chicken tossed in a flavorful sauce creates a delightful dish that’s sure to impress. With the balance of savory, sweet, and a touch of spiciness, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy chicken in a new light.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Chicken
Try a similar approach using teriyaki sauce, replacing the soy sauce and brown sugar with ready-made teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Incorporate pineapple juice and vinegar into the sauce for a sweet and sour version. Add chunks of pineapple and bell peppers for extra texture.
Spicy Orange Chicken
Replace the soy sauce with orange juice and add a dash of orange zest to create a fruity and spicy sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Instead of frying, bake the chicken pieces and toss them in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and savory twist.
Honey Soy Chicken
Add honey to the sauce to enhance sweetness and pair it with sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
Thai Basil Chicken
Incorporate fresh basil and lime juice into the sauce for a fragrant and zesty flavor, serving it over jasmine rice.
Buffalo Chicken
Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, garnishing with blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic touch.
Curry Chicken Stir-Fry
Add curry powder to the sauce mixture for an aromatic twist, and include vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas in the stir-fry.
