Hey there, food adventurers! Ready to ditch the same old dinner routine and embark on a culinary quest that's both delicious and good for you? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into a dish that's fit for royalty, but totally achievable in your kitchen: Chinese Empress Chicken!
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Empress Chicken? Never heard of it!" And you're not alone. This isn't your typical takeout fare, but that's exactly what makes it so exciting. It's a delightful surprise, a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and best of all, it's packed with goodness that will make your body sing.
Imagine tender pieces of chicken, lightly coated and fried to golden perfection (we're talking crispy, not greasy!). Then, it gets a luxurious bath in a vibrant, savory sauce made with the power of soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness. We're not done yet, we're going to wake things up with fresh garlic, zesty ginger and some diced peppers for that extra kick. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures, all in one dish!
Here's the magic formula:
- The Chicken: We're going for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes. A quick marinade in soy sauce and a beaten egg, followed by a cornstarch coating, makes them extra tender and crispy.
- The Sauce: This is where the magic happens! We're talking chicken broth, a touch of sugar for balance, a good dose of soy sauce, white vinegar, minced garlic and freshly chopped ginger. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy that makes your tastebuds dance.
- The Veggies: Diced peppers are the star of the show and those delicious green onions add a fresh bite to every serving.
- The Kick: Don't be shy to throw in some diced hot peppers, like jalapeños, for a little extra warmth. (Of course, you can dial that heat up or down to your own liking).
To get started, you will need to prepare the sauce, whisking all the ingredients in a bowl. Then, coat the chicken in the egg mixture and dredge it in cornstarch. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy and set it aside. In a wok, stir-fry the peppers and onions briefly. Add the sauce and let it thicken, then add the chicken and toss until everything is hot and bubbly.
Serving Suggestion:
I love to serve this over a bed of fluffy brown rice for a healthy dose of fiber. It’s a complete meal that leaves you feeling satisfied and energized, not sluggish.
Why this recipe is a winner:
- It’s packed with lean protein.
- It’s bursting with flavor.
- It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
- It’s a great way to introduce a new dish into your weeknight rotation. And most importantly, it's much healthier than your average takeout.
If you are like me you love to experiment with food and you want to make healthy choices. With the menuistia app, you can tweak this recipe to your heart's content. Create your own version, adjust portion sizes, swap out ingredients to match your dietary needs, and plan your weekly meals to stay on top of your health goals, all within a single platform. It’s like having your own personal nutritionist and chef in your pocket! It helps you keep on track to make eating healthy and fun.
So there you have it! Empress Chicken is not just a delicious meal; it’s a journey of flavors. Get ready to impress your family with this vibrant, healthy and delicious dish and don’t forget to share the results with all the other food adventurers!
Happy cooking, everyone!