5 Best Chinese Chicken Recipes

delicious chinese chicken dishes

Hey there, hungry friends! If you're craving some mouth-watering chicken that packs a punch, you've hit the jackpot with these five best Chinese chicken recipes. From the spicy kick of Kung Pao Chicken to the sweet zing of Lemon Chicken, there's a flavor for everyone. And let's not forget about the crispy, savory goodness of General Tso's Chicken! So, are you ready to investigate these tasty dishes that'll have your taste buds dancing?

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender chicken pieces with peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy, savory sauce. This dish originates from Sichuan cuisine and is known for its bold flavors and delightful crunch. Its combination of heat from the Sichuan peppercorns and sweetness from the sauce makes it a popular favorite among many.

With its vibrant colors and rich taste, Kung Pao Chicken is perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3-4 dried red chilies (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare Kung Pao Chicken, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a bowl with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch for about 15 minutes.

While the chicken marinates, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Then, add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Next, toss in the diced bell pepper, garlic, and ginger, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Finally, stir in the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, peanuts, and green onions, mixing until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

When cooking Kung Pao Chicken, feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or fewer dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.

For a more authentic flavor, you can use Chinese cooking wine instead of rice vinegar. Additionally, consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

Serve it with steamed rice or fried rice to balance out the flavors and enjoy a satisfying meal!

Lemon Chicken

citrusy flavorful chicken dish

Lemon Chicken is a delightful Chinese dish that combines the tangy zest of lemons with tender, succulent chicken, creating a vibrant flavor profile that's sure to please any palate.

This dish isn't only quick and easy to prepare, but it also brings a revitalizing twist to traditional chicken recipes. With a perfect balance of sweet and sour, Lemon Chicken is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch together, then coat the chicken pieces in this mixture.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar, lemon zest, and garlic, bringing it to a simmer.

Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, then return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.

Extra Tips:

For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and soy sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking.

This will elevate the taste and keep the chicken tender.

Also, feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli to the dish for added nutrition and color.

Serve your Lemon Chicken over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce, and don't forget to garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish!

General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken is a popular dish that has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. Known for its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce, this dish is sure to please anyone who loves bold flavors. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce makes General Tso's Chicken a delightful meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of steamed rice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 3-4 dried red chilies (adjust for spice level)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

To cook General Tso's Chicken, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for about 30 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture until well-coated.

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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and dried chilies, sautéing for a minute until fragrant.

Next, add the sauce mixture (soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and hoisin sauce) to the pan, bringing it to a simmer. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well-coated and heated through. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

For the best results when cooking General Tso's Chicken, make sure that your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve that perfect crispiness. You can also adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce to suit your preferences; adding more sugar will amplify the sweetness, while more dried chilies will increase the heat.

If you want a healthier twist, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it, or use an air fryer for a lighter version without compromising too much on that crispy texture.

Orange Chicken

crispy sweet orange sauce

Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese dish known for its crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This delightful meal is beloved for its vibrant flavor and appealing presentation, making it a favorite both in restaurants and at home.

With its combination of tender chicken and zesty sauce, Orange Chicken is perfect for serving over rice or alongside steamed vegetables. Follow this recipe to create a delicious version of this classic dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • Oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

To prepare the Orange Chicken, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger for about 30 minutes.

In separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and cornstarch. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken first in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with cornstarch.

Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat, and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

In a separate saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly. Toss the crispy chicken in the orange sauce until well coated.

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Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make sure to fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to soggy chicken.

You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of sugar and orange juice according to your taste.

If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped chili peppers to the sauce.

Serve your Orange Chicken immediately for the crispiest texture, and consider pairing it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that combines crispy battered chicken with a vibrant and tangy sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This dish often features colorful vegetables and is typically served over rice or with noodles, making it a satisfying meal for family and friends. The combination of sweetness from pineapple and the tartness from vinegar makes it a favorite among many.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare Sweet and Sour Chicken, start by coating the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, then dip them in the beaten egg. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, stir-fry the bell pepper and onion until tender, then add the pineapple chunks.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, ginger, and a bit of salt and pepper. Pour this sauce over the vegetables in the skillet, bring to a simmer, and let it thicken slightly before adding the fried chicken back in. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.

When cooking Sweet and Sour Chicken, it's essential to verify that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that crispy texture. You can also customize the dish by adding other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

For a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying. Finally, if you love extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients for more of that sweet and tangy goodness!


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