Craving Chinese Takeout? Make This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe For An Authentic Chinese-style Meal!

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Chinese cuisine with this delectable chicken stir fry recipe. This dish tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and an irresistible sauce that brings harmony to every bite. Prepare to elevate your stir-frying skills and create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Heat the Wok:

• Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.

3. Stir-Fry the Chicken:

• Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrots, celery, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. Return the Chicken:

• Add the cooked chicken back to the wok along with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the wok while stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Transfer the chicken stir fry to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Stir Fry:

• Use a well-seasoned wok or skillet: A properly seasoned wok or skillet will help prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking.
• Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces: This will ensure that they cook evenly.
• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken helps tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
• Stir-fry in batches: If you overcrowd the wok, the chicken and vegetables will steam instead of stir-frying.
• Use high heat: Stir-frying is a quick-cooking method, so it’s important to use high heat to get a nice sear on the chicken and vegetables.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken should be cooked through, but not overcooked, or it will become tough.
• Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
• Serve immediately: Chicken stir fry is best served immediately after it’s cooked.

Variations:

• Protein: You can use other proteins in this recipe, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms.
• Sauce: You can adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more or less soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sugar.
• Spices: If you like spicy food, you can add some chili peppers or Sriracha sauce to the dish.

Health Benefits of Chicken Stir Fry:

Chicken stir fry is a healthy and nutritious meal that is packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Summary:

This chicken stir fry recipe is a culinary symphony that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine. With its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and transport you to the heart of China. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. What is the best way to cut the chicken for stir-fry?

• The best way to cut the chicken for stir-fry is to cut it into 1-inch pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?

• If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the dish. To make a cornstarch slurry, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Then, add the slurry to the wok while stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

3. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

• Yes, you can use other vegetables in this recipe. Some good options include broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, and baby corn.