Chinese Chicken Bread, a delightful fusion of traditional Chinese flavors and Western baking techniques, is a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This article will guide you through the process of making this unique and delicious treat step-by-step. With clear explanations and subheadings, you’ll find it easy to follow and replicate at home.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s list down all the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- Bread flour: 500 grams
- Active dry yeast: 7 grams
- Sugar: 50 grams
- Salt: 5 grams
- Warm water: 300 milliliters (ml)
- Milk: 50 ml (optional for added richness)
- Butter: 50 grams (softened)
For the Chicken Filling:
- Chicken breast: 2 pieces (boneless and skinless)
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (tbsp)
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
- Ginger: 1 small piece (minced)
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (for thickening)
- Water: 2 tbsp (for mixing with cornstarch)
- Green onions: a handful (chopped)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Other Ingredients:
- Egg wash: 1 egg (beaten)
- Sesame seeds: for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F or 45°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and milk into the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.
Add Butter: Incorporate the softened butter into the dough by kneading for an additional 5 minutes. This will give the bread a soft and tender texture.
First Fermentation: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Pour this mixture into the pan with the cooked chicken and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Add Green Onions: Finally, add the chopped green onions and stir well. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Bread
Second Fermentation: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 8-10 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Let them rest for about 10 minutes.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a flat circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the cooked chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Make sure not to overfill, as it can make the bread hard to seal.
Seal and Shape: Bring the edges of the dough together to enclose the filling and seal tightly. Pinch the dough together to form a smooth ball or a slightly flattened shape, depending on your preference.
Final Fermentation: Place the shaped dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Egg Wash and Garnish: Brush each dough piece with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read between 190°F and 200°F (88°C and 93°C).
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Bread is a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds – savory Chinese flavors with the comfort of baked bread. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create this delicious dish at home. The rich, flavorful chicken filling paired with the soft, tender bread makes for a meal that is sure to impress.
Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a snack, Chinese Chicken Bread is a versatile option that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The process might seem lengthy, but with a bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and satisfying result. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking your own Chinese Chicken Bread today!
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