Chicken in Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a staple in many Chinese homes. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Chinese cooking while allowing the deliciousness of the chicken and fresh vegetables to shine through.
Why We Love This Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
This Chicken in Garlic Sauce recipe is adored for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Second, the flavor profile is vibrant and aromatic, thanks to the combination of garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables. This dish also offers versatility; you can enjoy it with rice or noodles, and customize it with various vegetables based on your preference. With its stunning visuals and unforgettable taste, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients about Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions, for garnishing
How to Make Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe Directions
Start your culinary adventure by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will help ensure even cooking and allow the marinade to penetrate the meat better. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce until you have a smooth marinade. Coat the chicken pieces evenly in the marinade and set them aside to rest for about 10 minutes. This marinating process is essential as it tenderizes the meat and enhances its flavor.
While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the garlic sauce. In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Give this mixture a good stir until it’s well combined. This aromatic sauce will elevate your chicken dish and fill your kitchen with enticing scents.
Now, hit the stove! Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the wok. Stir-fry them until they’re fully cooked and achieve a beautiful golden color on the outside, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
In the same wok, feel free to add a splash more oil if necessary. Now it’s time to bring all those wonderful flavors to life! Stir-fry the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until they start to release their aroma. Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers along with the diced onion. Keep stirring for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften slightly and maintain some crunch.
Return the cooked chicken to the wok and pour your previously prepared garlic sauce over the ingredients. Stir-fry everything together, ensuring that each piece of chicken and vegetable is glistening with the flavorful sauce. This quick combination allows all the ingredients to coalesce, creating a cohesive dish that is bursting with flavor.
Once heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, transfer your Chicken in Garlic Sauce to a serving dish. As a final touch, garnish it with sliced green onions for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Your dish is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
How to Serve Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
Serving your Chicken in Garlic Sauce can be done in various ways to cater to your style or preferences. The simplest and most traditional pairing is with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains creating a harmonious blend of flavors. You can also opt for egg noodles or even a vegetable stir-fry to accompany this dish; both provide excellent flavor and texture contrasts.
To add more color to your dining table, consider garnishing with additional green onions or even sesame seeds. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding a side of crispy spring rolls or wontons makes for a delightful meal that your family and guests will appreciate.
Always remember, presentation matters! Arrange your Chicken in Garlic Sauce attractively on the plate, ensuring the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and the luscious sauce are visible. Serve it hot, and don’t forget to place soy sauce and chili sauce on the side for those who might want an extra punch of flavor.
Expert Tips: Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
Achieving the most flavorful Chicken in Garlic Sauce requires some insider knowledge. First, if you enjoy a kick of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce during cooking. This small addition ramps up the flavor and adds an exciting dimension to the dish.
Using colorful bell peppers not only enhances the visual appeal of your plate but also gives different flavor notes. Feel free to experiment with yellow or orange bell peppers as well—they both work wonderfully. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, and add it during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give your sauce that perfect luscious texture that clings to every bite.
Always remember to prep your ingredients before starting to cook. Stir-frying is fast-paced, and having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Lastly, using high-quality soy sauce and oyster sauce can dramatically improve the depth of flavor in your dish.
How to Store Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store your Chicken in Garlic Sauce without worry. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, and then place it in an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it as mentioned above.
Variation of Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
While the classic Chicken in Garlic Sauce is delicious on its own, feel free to mix things up by trying different variations. If you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding broccoli florets, snap peas, or even mushrooms. Each addition will bring unique flavors and textures to your dish.
For a different protein option, you can replace the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood twist. The cooking times will vary slightly—cook shrimp until they turn pink; for tofu, ensure it is crispy by pan-frying it before adding it to the sauce.
If you enjoy more complex flavors, experiment with different sauces. Instead of hoisin sauce, try teriyaki sauce, or add a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, enabling you to create your favorite version of Chicken in Garlic Sauce.
FAQ
Q: What is the secret to a great Chicken in Garlic Sauce?
A: The key to a great Chicken in Garlic Sauce lies in the marinade and the garlic sauce blend. Make sure to let the chicken marinate long enough to absorb the flavors, and use fresh garlic and ginger for an aromatic punch.
Q: Can I use chicken with skin on for this recipe?
A: While boneless, skinless chicken is recommended for this dish’s texture and flavor profile, you can use chicken with skin if you prefer. Just be aware that cooking times may need to be adjusted a bit.
Q: What can I serve with Chicken in Garlic Sauce?
A: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, egg noodles, or a fresh vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve crispy spring rolls for added crunch.
Q: How spicy is this Chicken in Garlic Sauce?
A: This version of Chicken in Garlic Sauce is not inherently spicy, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like your food with a bit of heat.
Q: Can I meal prep this Chicken in Garlic Sauce?
A: Absolutely! Chicken in Garlic Sauce is perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months for convenient, ready-to-eat meals.
Chicken in Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce Use high-quality for better flavor.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces.
For the Garlic Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated Freshly grated is recommended.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Stir-Frying
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking.
- 1 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
For Garnishing
- to taste green onions, sliced For topping before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with soy sauce to create a smooth marinade, then coat the chicken in this mixture and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the garlic sauce.
Cooking
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked and golden.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.
- In the same wok, stir-fry minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds.
- Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and diced onion, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok and pour the garlic sauce over the ingredients, stir-frying until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serving
- Transfer the Chicken in Garlic Sauce to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, egg noodles, or as desired.
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