Savory Chinese-Style Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Savory Chinese-Style Chicken Delight, a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a perfect blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. This recipe was passed down by a thoughtful knitting exchange partner and has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The chicken simmers slowly in a sweet and savory sauce, enveloping every bite in deliciousness while the hint of red pepper flakes brings a touch of warmth. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that your family will love. Impress your guests with this easy yet elegant dish, which is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
N/A
Servings
305
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
4 (boneless and skinless)
Oil
1 tablespoon (for browning)
Soy sauce
1/3 cup (low sodium recommended)
Brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
Water
1/2 cup (for sauce)
Catsup
1 tablespoon (regular or low sugar)
Dry sherry or apple juice
1/4 cup (for flavor)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2-3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Garlic clove
1 (pressed or minced)
Green onion
1 (sliced)
Water
1 tablespoon (for cornstarch mixture)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for thickening)
Toasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, catsup, dry sherry (or apple juice), crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and sliced green onion until well combined.
3
Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged.
4
Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender, stirring occasionally.
5
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce while stirring to thicken it. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6
Optional: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving for added crunch and flavor.
7
Serve hot, paired with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chinese-Style Chicken Delight?
It is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices.
How do I brown the chicken breasts?
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned on both sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
What are the main ingredients in the sauce?
The sauce consists of soy sauce, brown sugar, water, catsup, dry sherry or apple juice, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and sliced green onion.
How long should the chicken simmer?
The chicken should simmer covered in the sauce for 35-45 minutes until it is fully cooked and tender.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes.
What is a good substitute for dry sherry?
Apple juice can be used as a substitute for dry sherry for flavor.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
Are there any suggested garnishes?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for added crunch and flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which provides a hint of warmth and heat.
What should I serve with this chicken dish?
It is best served hot over steamed rice or noodles.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 305 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides 25g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Savory Chinese-Style Chicken Delight?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
Each serving contains 35g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
Low sodium soy sauce is recommended for this recipe.
Who provided this recipe?
This recipe was passed down by a thoughtful knitting exchange partner.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar.
Can I use low-sugar catsup?
Yes, you can use either regular or low-sugar catsup.
How many garlic cloves are used?
One garlic clove, pressed or minced, is used in the sauce.
How should the green onion be prepared?
The green onion should be sliced before being added to the sauce mixture.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the optional garnish.
Do I need to stir the chicken while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the chicken occasionally while it simmers in the sauce.
What should the final consistency of the sauce be?
The sauce should be cooked with the cornstarch slurry until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is the chicken fully submerged in the sauce?
Yes, the instructions suggest ensuring the chicken is fully submerged when you pour the sauce into the skillet.
Is this a good recipe for special occasions?
Yes, its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it suitable for both weeknights and special occasions.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a sweet and savory flavor profile with a touch of aromatic spices and warmth.
How much oil is needed for browning?
One tablespoon of oil is used to brown the chicken.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch slurry?
The cornstarch slurry is used to thicken the sauce into a rich glaze.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a heartwarming meal.