Szechuan Style Poached Chicken with Scallions
Delve into the vibrant flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this delightful poached chicken dish, featuring tender chicken infused with aromatic scallions and enhanced by a rich blend of soy sauce and sesame oil. This dish, known as Chow Yow Gai, is celebrated for its simplicity and elegance. Perfectly cooked chicken is complemented by a generous drizzle of sizzling peanut oil, bringing a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors. Whether served as part of a family feast or at a celebratory gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its authentic taste and delightful presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chicken, cleaned
3 lbs (cleaned)
Green onions
2 bunches (washed, split, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
Light soy sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Peanut oil
1/2 cup (heated to smoking point)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan Style Poached Chicken?
Szechuan Style Poached Chicken, or Chow Yow Gai, is a vibrant dish featuring tender chicken infused with scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil, finished with sizzling peanut oil.
What is the traditional name for this dish?
This dish is traditionally known as Chow Yow Gai.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one whole cleaned chicken weighing approximately 3 lbs.
How many green onions should I use?
You will need 2 bunches of green onions for this recipe.
What type of soy sauce is used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce.
Is sesame oil necessary for this dish?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil is used to provide a rich, aromatic flavor.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of salt for seasoning.
What kind of oil is used for the sizzling finish?
1/2 cup of peanut oil is used for the sizzling finish.
How should the peanut oil be prepared?
The peanut oil should be heated until it reaches its smoking point before being drizzled over the chicken.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be washed, split, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces.
What is the primary cooking method for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked using the poaching method, which ensures the meat remains tender and succulent.
Is this Szechuan chicken dish spicy?
While Szechuan cuisine is often spicy, this specific poached chicken recipe focuses on aromatics like scallions and sesame oil rather than heat.
Can I substitute the peanut oil?
While peanut oil provides a distinct flavor, you can use another high-smoke point neutral oil if necessary.
How is the dish presented?
The chicken is typically topped with chopped scallions and then drizzled with hot oil to create a beautiful and aromatic presentation.
What are the main flavor profiles of Chow Yow Gai?
The dish features a harmony of savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and fresh, aromatic green onions.
Is this recipe suitable for a family feast?
Yes, its elegant presentation and authentic taste make it perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: chicken, green onions, light soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and peanut oil.
Is the chicken cooked whole?
Yes, the recipe uses a whole 3 lb chicken that is cleaned before poaching.
What is the purpose of the salt in this recipe?
The salt is used to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the aromatics.
What makes the chicken tender in this recipe?
The poaching method allows the chicken to cook gently, resulting in a very tender texture.
Can I use regular onions instead of green onions?
Green onions or scallions are preferred for their specific mild and aromatic flavor which is central to this dish.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is often categorized as Chinese comfort food due to its simple yet satisfying nature.
Does this recipe contain carbohydrates?
Based on the ingredients, this dish is very low in carbohydrates as it consists mainly of protein and fats.
Is the chicken skin removed?
The recipe typically involves poaching the chicken with the skin on to maintain moisture and flavor.
How long does it take to heat the oil?
The peanut oil should be heated until it just begins to smoke, which usually takes a few minutes over high heat.
What is the role of light soy sauce here?
Light soy sauce provides saltiness and umami without darkening the appearance of the poached chicken meat.
Is this a traditional Chinese cuisine recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional dish celebrated for its simplicity and elegant flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Poached chicken can be prepared in advance, but the sizzling oil and scallions are best added just before serving.
What should I serve with Szechuan Poached Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or a light vegetable side dish.
Is the chicken cleaned before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the whole chicken should be cleaned before the poaching process begins.