Oriental chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings together a blend of spices, herbs, and sauces commonly used in Chinese and other Asian cuisines. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make a simple yet tasty oriental chicken.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Below is a list of ingredients needed to make oriental chicken:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- A pinch of black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or hot sauce (optional for heat)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients will provide you with a balanced and flavorful oriental chicken dish. Let’s move on to the cooking steps.
Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The first step in making oriental chicken is to marinate the chicken to infuse it with flavor.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey (or sugar), cornstarch, and black pepper.
- Mix everything together until it forms a smooth marinade.
- Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces or strips, depending on your preference.
- Place the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours will enhance the flavor even more.
Marinating the chicken is key for achieving a tender and flavorful result.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
After marinating, it’s time to cook the chicken.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. This will help the chicken cook evenly and get a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning it occasionally, until it is golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. You may want to drain any excess oil before continuing.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is what gives this dish its unique oriental flavor. Here’s how to make it.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth (or water).
- Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is fully incorporated.
- Add chili paste or hot sauce if you want the dish to have a bit of heat. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
- In the same pan or wok where you cooked the chicken, add a little more vegetable oil if needed. Heat it over medium heat.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens. You should see it coat the back of a spoon.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure each piece is coated with the rich, flavorful sauce. Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes.
This step will ensure the chicken is flavorful and perfectly glazed.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
While the chicken is soaking in the delicious sauce, it’s time to stir-fry the vegetables.
Step 6: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the bell peppers and carrots into thin strips.
- Slice the onion into thin rings or half-moons.
- Chop the green onions into small pieces.
- You can also use other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli if desired.
Step 7: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
- Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
The vegetables should be cooked just enough to retain their vibrant color and crunch. Avoid overcooking them, as you want them to maintain their texture.
Bringing It All Together
Step 8: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables
Once the chicken and sauce are well-coated, and the vegetables are perfectly stir-fried, it’s time to combine everything.
- Add the cooked vegetables into the pan with the chicken and sauce.
- Toss everything together gently to combine, ensuring the vegetables are well coated with the sauce as well.
- Let the dish simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
At this point, your oriental chicken is nearly ready to serve.
Garnishing the Dish
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
To add some finishing touches and flavor, you can garnish the dish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the dish.
- Add some chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, herbaceous note.
Serve the oriental chicken hot, either on its own or over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Tips for Perfect Oriental Chicken
Adjust the sweetness and saltiness: If you like your sauce sweeter, add more honey or sugar. If you prefer it saltier, increase the amount of soy sauce. Taste as you go!
Add more vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn.
Make it spicy: If you love spicy food, add more chili paste or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Use bone-in chicken: For even more flavor, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but remember to cook them for longer until they are tender and fully cooked.
Conclusion
Making oriental chicken at home is a simple process that results in a delicious, flavorful dish. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have a savory meal that combines tender chicken, a rich sauce, and crunchy vegetables. The dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or with extra vegetables.
Oriental chicken is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion. It’s easy to make, and the flavors are sure to impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy your homemade oriental chicken!
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