Super Easy Chinese Chicken Recipe

Chinese chicken recipes are a beloved favorite for many food lovers around the world. Whether it’s the sweet, savory flavor of Bourbon Chicken or the crispy texture of stir-fried chicken, there’s no denying the appeal of a quick and easy chicken dish packed with bold flavors.

In this blog post, we’re diving into a super easy Chinese chicken recipe that will elevate your cooking and impress your family or guests. From the origins of Bourbon Chicken to a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make this dish, we’ve got you covered.

You’ll learn how to make this dish in a slow cooker for ultimate convenience, and we’ll give you helpful tips on how to store leftovers to keep your chicken fresh. If you’re someone who loves to experiment with Chinese food or you simply want a reliable recipe to enjoy, this is the post for you. So, let’s get started and unlock the secrets to a perfect Chinese chicken recipe every time!

What Is Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken is an American-Chinese dish that has grown in popularity in the United States, especially in shopping malls, food courts, and restaurants. The name Bourbon Chicken might make you think of the popular whiskey, and you’re not wrong! The dish is named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it is believed the recipe was first created.

Origin Story of Bourbon Chicken

This dish was inspired by the flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine, blending the bold flavors of bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of garlic and ginger. While Bourbon Chicken may have roots in New Orleans, the dish is heavily influenced by Chinese-American cooking traditions. The sweet yet savory sauce that coats the chicken is what makes this dish so irresistible.

Fun Fact: While Bourbon Chicken might be named after Bourbon Street, it doesn’t contain any bourbon. The name is more of a nod to the dish’s location rather than an actual ingredient.

Why It’s So Popular

The popularity of Bourbon Chicken is due to its deliciously balanced flavor profile. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, making it appealing to a wide variety of tastes. Additionally, the recipe is simple to prepare and can be served with various sides like rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a perfect option for any meal.

Ingredients Needed for This Easy Chinese Chicken Recipe

For this recipe, you don’t need to go on a shopping spree for non-native ingredients. The best part of this easy Chinese chicken recipe is that it uses common ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Key Ingredients:

Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Skinless, boneless chicken is ideal as it cooks quickly and evenly. Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Soy Sauce – This will provide that salty depth of flavor that’s key to a Chinese-inspired recipe.
Brown Sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and caramelization.
Garlic – Fresh garlic will bring aromatic flavors that tie the dish together.
Ginger – A small amount of fresh ginger adds a nice zesty kick.
Sesame Oil – This is used to bring a subtle nutty flavor to the sauce.
Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce to the right consistency.
Rice Vinegar – A touch of acidity helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar.
Green Onions – Optional but perfect for garnishing your dish at the end.

Optional Ingredients for Customization:

Chili flakes or Sriracha if you like some heat in your dish.
Hoison sauce for additional depth of flavor.

How to Make This Super Easy Chinese Chicken Recipe

Making this recipe is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide that will ensure you have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce. If you prefer, you can also use chicken tenders for a quicker prep.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing them until they’re evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes – but if you have time, marinating for 30 minutes will intensify the flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil (preferably vegetable oil) and cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink and has a golden, crispy exterior. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the pan with the chicken and allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Can You Make This Simple Chinese Chicken Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re looking to simplify the process even further, making this Chinese chicken recipe in a slow cooker is an excellent choice.

Slow Cooker Adaptation:

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into pieces as you would for the stovetop version.
Add the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken pieces and give it a good stir.
Cook: Set your slow cooker on low and let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Convenience: Slow cookers allow you to prepare the dish without constant attention. Simply set it and forget it.
Flavor: The slow-cooking method allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

How to Store Any Leftovers from Your Chinese Chicken

Leftovers from this Chinese chicken recipe are just as delicious the next day! Proper storage will help maintain the flavor and texture of the chicken.

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you need to store it for a longer period, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

How to Serve Your Chinese Chicken

The versatility of Chinese chicken recipes means that you can serve this dish with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

Serving Suggestions:

Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that complements the flavorful chicken.
Noodles: You can serve it over stir-fried noodles or even lo mein.
Vegetables: Pair your chicken with stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.

Complementary Side Dishes:

Side Dish	Description
Egg Rolls	Crispy rolls filled with vegetables and meat.
Fried Rice	Savory rice with veggies and eggs.
Spring Rolls	Light, fresh rolls with shrimp or chicken.

Conclusion

This super easy Chinese chicken recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and a dish that can be made in a short amount of time. Whether you go the traditional stovetop route or use the slow cooker for added convenience, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly and reheat them for a delicious meal the next day!