Savory Clay Pot Chicken Delight
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Savory Clay Pot Chicken Delight, a delightful casserole that marries tender chicken with an array of vibrant vegetables. This dish is designed for those seeking a hassle-free meal that is both nourishing and satisfying. With the option to prepare it a day or two in advance, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. If you're looking to store it for later, simply omit the sweet potatoes or carrots, steam or boil them separately upon reheating, and enjoy a freshly crafted dinner. This recipe is presented in homage to Family Circle's beloved Chinese & Asian cookbook and guarantees to become a staple in your home kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thigh fillets
500 g (washed and cut into small pieces)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for marinating)
dry sherry
1 tablespoon (for marinating)
dried Chinese mushrooms
6 (soaked in hot water)
small leeks
2 (washed and sliced)
orange sweet potatoes or carrots
250 g (peeled and sliced thin)
peanut oil
2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
gingerroot
5 cm piece (shredded)
chicken stock
1/2 cup (preferably homemade)
sesame oil
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
cornflour
3 teaspoons (for thickening)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with absorbent paper towels. Cut the chicken into small pieces and place them in a dish. Add soy sauce and dry sherry to the chicken, mixing well. Cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2
While the chicken marinates, soak the dried Chinese mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes. Once softened, drain the mushrooms, squeeze out excess liquid, discard the stems, and chop the caps into shreds.
3
Thoroughly wash the leeks to remove any grit, then slice them thinly. Peel and slice the orange sweet potatoes or carrots into thin rounds.
4
After the chicken has marinated, drain it, reserving the marinade. In a wok or heavy-based frying pan, heat half of the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add half of the chicken pieces and stir-fry briefly until they are seared on all sides. Transfer these chicken pieces to a flameproof clay pot or casserole dish. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces, adding them to the pot as well.
5
In the same wok, heat the remaining peanut oil. Add the sliced leeks and shredded ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the chopped mushrooms along with the reserved marinade, chicken stock, and sesame oil. Mix well.
6
Pour the sautéed mixture into the clay pot containing the chicken, and add the sweet potatoes or carrots. Cover the pot and cook on low heat on the stovetop for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can place the pot in an oven preheated to 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) for the same duration.
7
Once cooked, dissolve the cornflour in a little water and add it to the pot, stirring gently. Cook and stir until the mixture boils and thickens slightly.
8
Serve the savory chicken and vegetables immediately with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Clay Pot Chicken Delight?
It is a nourishing Asian-inspired casserole featuring tender chicken thigh fillets and vibrant vegetables cooked in a clay pot.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe specifies using 500 grams of chicken thigh fillets cut into small pieces.
How do I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Wash the chicken under cold water, pat it dry with paper towels, and cut it into small pieces.
What is in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of one tablespoon of soy sauce and one tablespoon of dry sherry.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be covered and marinated in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
How do I prepare the dried Chinese mushrooms?
Soak them in hot water for 30 minutes, drain, squeeze out liquid, discard stems, and shred the caps.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The dish includes small leeks and either orange sweet potatoes or carrots.
How should the leeks be prepared?
Leeks should be washed thoroughly to remove grit and then sliced thinly.
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
You can use carrots as a direct substitute for the orange sweet potatoes.
What is the best oil for stir-frying this dish?
Peanut oil is recommended for stir-frying the chicken and aromatics.
Why do I need to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken in a wok or frying pan until browned on all sides helps develop flavor and texture before slow cooking.
How should the ginger be prepared?
A 5 cm piece of gingerroot should be peeled and shredded.
What liquids are added to the sauce?
The sauce includes the reserved marinade, half a cup of chicken stock, and a teaspoon of sesame oil.
Can I cook this dish on the stovetop?
Yes, it can be cooked in a covered flameproof clay pot on low heat for about 20 minutes.
Can I cook this dish in the oven?
Yes, the pot can be placed in an oven preheated to 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20 minutes.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Dissolve 3 teaspoons of cornflour in a little water, add it to the pot, and stir until it boils and thickens.
What should I serve with Clay Pot Chicken?
It is best served immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be prepared a day or two in advance for convenience.
How should I store the dish if I want to reheat it later?
If storing, omit the sweet potatoes or carrots and add them freshly steamed or boiled when reheating.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish is tagged as freezer-friendly, making it great for meal planning.
What type of chicken stock is recommended?
The recipe suggests using homemade chicken stock for the best flavor.
What is the role of sesame oil in this recipe?
Sesame oil is added during the vegetable stir-fry stage for its distinct aromatic flavor.
What should I do with the mushroom liquid?
After soaking, the mushrooms should be squeezed dry; the recipe does not explicitly use the soaking liquid, but rather uses chicken stock.
Can I use a regular casserole dish?
Yes, a flameproof casserole dish can be used as a substitute for a traditional clay pot.
What makes this a 'comfort food' recipe?
The combination of tender chicken, slow-cooked vegetables, and savory sauce creates a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Is this an authentic Chinese recipe?
The recipe is presented in homage to Family Circle's Chinese & Asian cookbook.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 main ingredients including the chicken, vegetables, and seasonings.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify that the sweet potatoes or carrots should be peeled before slicing.
How long does the entire stovetop cooking process take?
After preparation and searing, the final simmering stage takes approximately 20 minutes.
Can I use dry sherry for the marinade?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of dry sherry is used as part of the marinade to flavor the chicken.