Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a rich garlic sauce. This recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also perfect for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The combination of soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and aromatic garlic makes this dish stand out and offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables based on what you have at home.
- Healthy Option: With lean chicken thighs and plenty of veggies, this dish offers a balanced meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Impressive Presentation: Bright colors from bell peppers and green onions make this dish visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, you’ll need some essential tools to make your Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: A wok allows for even heat distribution and is ideal for stir-frying, ensuring your chicken cooks perfectly.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface to chop ingredients safely.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping garlic, ginger, and vegetables quick and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise measurements for sauces and seasonings, which are key to achieving the right flavor balance.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500 grams boneless chicken thighs (approximately 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1½ tablespoons garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- ⅓ cup green onion (chopped)
How to Make Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch and dark soy sauce. Toss well to coat evenly. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add ⅓ cup of oil. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables
In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha, water, ground black pepper, and an additional tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the fried chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce over everything. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and thickened slightly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese over steamed rice or noodles!
How to Serve Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese
Serving Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that complement its rich flavors.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or jasmine rice serves as a perfect base, absorbing the savory garlic sauce and balancing the dish.
With Fried Rice
- Pairing with fried rice adds texture and flavor, making it a hearty meal. You can use leftover rice for convenience.
On a Bed of Lettuce
- For a lighter option, serve the chicken over fresh lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch to each bite.
Accompanied by Spring Rolls
- Spring rolls provide a delightful crunch. They can be served on the side for added variety in textures.
Garnished with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkling sesame seeds on top enhances the dish’s presentation and adds extra nutty flavor.
With Chopped Peanuts
- Chopped peanuts offer an unexpected crunch and richness that complements the garlic sauce beautifully.
How to Perfect Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese
To achieve the best version of Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese, follow these tips to enhance flavor and texture.
Marinate the chicken – Allowing the chicken to marinate in soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes helps tenderize it and infuse flavor.
Use high heat – Cooking on high heat ensures that the chicken becomes crispy while keeping it juicy inside.
Add garlic last – Adding minced garlic towards the end of cooking prevents burning and maximizes its aromatic flavor.
Customize spice level – Adjusting Sriracha according to your taste allows you to control how spicy the dish will be.
Taste as you go – Regular tasting helps balance flavors, particularly sweetness from sugar or saltiness from soy sauce.
Let it rest – Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld together even more.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese
Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your meal experience with Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese. Here are some excellent options:
Fried Rice – A flavorful blend of rice, vegetables, and protein cooked quickly in a hot pan. Great for using leftovers!
Stir-Fried Vegetables – Colorful veggies like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas stir-fried with soy sauce add nutrition and vibrancy.
Egg Drop Soup – A light soup made with eggs and broth provides warmth and complements the bold flavors of the main dish.
Chow Mein – Stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables create a satisfying carb option that pairs well with chicken.
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil balances out the richness of the chicken dish.
Steamed Dumplings – These dumplings filled with meat or vegetables offer an enjoyable textural contrast alongside your main course.
Garlic Noodles – Noodles tossed in garlic butter create an aromatic side that resonates well with the garlic sauce of your chicken.
Pickled Vegetables – Adding pickled vegetables brings acidity that cuts through richness while providing a crunchy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the right techniques is essential for making Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese perfectly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry and tough meat. Always cook until just browned and cooked through.
- Neglecting to marinate: Skipping the marination process means missing out on deep flavors. Take time to let the chicken soak in soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Using too much oil: Excess oil can make the dish greasy. Use just enough for frying, about ⅓ cup, as stated in the recipe.
- Cutting vegetables unevenly: Uneven pieces cook at different rates. Ensure all ingredients, like bell peppers and green onions, are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Not adjusting spice levels: If you enjoy heat, don’t hesitate to add more Sriracha. Adjust according to your taste preferences for a better experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish; cover loosely and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese:
What is Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese?
Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese is a stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with garlic, soy sauce, and colorful vegetables.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor profile while keeping the same delicious sauce.
How spicy is Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of Sriracha used. Add more if you prefer a spicier kick!
What can I serve with this dish?
This flavorful chicken pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or vegetable stir-fry.
Final Thoughts
Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste. This dish is sure to impress at dinner time—give it a try!
Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese
Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Asian cuisine right to your table. Featuring crispy chicken thighs coated in a rich garlic sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. The blend of soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and aromatic garlic creates an irresistible taste that will delight your family and friends. With customizable ingredients and vibrant colors from bell peppers and green onions, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix with cornstarch and dark soy sauce; let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha, water, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan with vegetables and pour in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
