Chinese cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and aromatic dishes, and one popular example is garlic chicken. Bursting with the pungent and savory flavors of garlic, this dish is a favorite among garlic lovers and those seeking a satisfying and aromatic meal. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making Chinese garlic chicken in your own kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the delightful flavors of this Asian-inspired dish.
Chinese Garlic Chicken
Materials
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 2-3 green onions sliced
- 1-2 dried red chilies optional, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for stir-frying
- Additional vegetable oil for frying the garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Steamed rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- To infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderize it, it's important to marinate it beforehand. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, and cornstarch. Mix the marinade ingredients until well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Preparing the Garlic Mixture
- While the chicken is marinating, it's time to prepare the garlic mixture. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced green onions, and chopped dried red chilies (if using). Set the garlic mixture aside until ready to use.
Creating the Sauce
- Next, it's time to prepare the flavorful sauce that will coat the garlic chicken. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, sugar, and sesame oil until well combined. Set the sauce aside until needed.
Stir-Frying the Garlic Chicken
- Once the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to cook the garlic chicken. Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the surface of the pan.
- When the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Use a spatula or tongs to move the chicken around in the pan, ensuring it cooks evenly.
Frying the Garlic Mixture
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. In the same pan, add a little more vegetable oil if needed. Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced green onions, and chopped dried red chilies (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry the garlic mixture for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and the garlic turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Combining the Chicken, Garlic Mixture, and Sauce
- Once the garlic mixture is fragrant and golden brown, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and garlic mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Continue stir-frying for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken and garlic to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serving Chinese Garlic Chicken
- Chinese garlic chicken is best served immediately while it's hot and flavorful. Garnish the dish with additional sliced green onions for freshness and color. Serve the garlic chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
Slice the chicken evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook at the same rate, resulting in tender and juicy pieces.
Adjust the spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, omit or reduce the amount of dried red chilies in the garlic mixture. For those who enjoy extra heat, you can increase the number of chilies or add a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Customize the vegetables: While the traditional Chinese garlic chicken recipe uses garlic, ginger, and green onions, feel free to add other vegetables of your choice. Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms make excellent additions and contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Double the sauce: If you prefer your garlic chicken to be saucier, you can easily double the sauce ingredients to have extra sauce for drizzling over the rice or noodles.
Conclusion
Chinese garlic chicken offers a tantalizing fusion of flavors and aromas that will leave your taste buds craving more. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a mouthwatering Chinese garlic chicken dish in your own kitchen. With its savory garlic-infused chicken, flavorful sauce, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the delectable delights of Chinese garlic chicken!
