Chinese Garlic Chicken

This Chinese Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress. With tender chicken coated in a savory garlic sauce, it’s an excellent choice whether served over rice or as a finger food at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight meal.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness creates a mouthwatering dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice for a complete meal or serve it as finger food at parties—it’s perfect for any occasion!
• Healthy Ingredients: Using boneless skinless chicken thighs keeps the dish lean while still juicy and flavorful.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Chinese Garlic Chicken, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will help you whip up this delicious dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or skillet: A wok allows for even heat distribution and is perfect for stir-frying, but any large skillet will work well too.
• Slotted spoon: This tool helps drain excess oil from fried chicken pieces without losing any delicious bits.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients, ensuring they mix evenly before cooking.
• Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil and keeping everything tidy during cooking.

Ingredients

To create this flavorful Chinese Garlic Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• salt, to taste
• ground white pepper, to taste
• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• oil, for frying

For the Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 3 scallions, cut into batons
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice apple vinegar, or dry apple juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• a pinch of sugar

How to Make Chinese Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch with salt and ground white pepper.
2. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
3. Dredge each piece in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces in batches if necessary, frying them for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Wipe out the wok with a paper towel.
2. Add a bit more oil if needed and stir-fry sliced garlic and scallions for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in rice apple vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of white pepper; stir well to combine.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the fried chicken pieces to the wok with the sauce.
2. Mix thoroughly until all pieces are coated in flavor.
3. Serve hot over rice or enjoy as finger food!

Enjoy this delectable Chinese Garlic Chicken, guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table!

How to Serve Chinese Garlic Chicken

Chinese Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual dinner, serving options can elevate the dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – The classic choice, providing a fluffy base for the savory garlic chicken.
• Brown Rice – A healthier alternative with added fiber and a nutty flavor.

As Finger Food

• Skewers – Serve bite-sized pieces on skewers for easy eating at parties.
• Lettuce Wraps – Use fresh lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken and add some crunch.

With Noodles

• Stir-Fried Noodles – Toss Chinese egg noodles or rice noodles with the garlic chicken for a delightful dish.
• Cold Noodle Salad – Pair with chilled noodles, sesame oil, and veggies for a refreshing option.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauce

• Soy Sauce Mixture – A simple blend of soy sauce and vinegar makes a perfect dip.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – For those who enjoy a hint of heat, serve with sweet chili sauce.

How to Perfect Chinese Garlic Chicken

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Chinese Garlic Chicken, consider the following tips:

• Marinate the Chicken – Letting the chicken sit in soy sauce for 30 minutes enhances its flavor.
• Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly sliced garlic delivers more intense flavor than pre-minced alternatives.
• Control Oil Temperature – Ensure your oil is hot enough to fry the chicken quickly, creating a crispy exterior without drying it out.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding leads to steaming rather than frying.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese Garlic Chicken

Pairing the perfect side dishes with your Chinese Garlic Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli pairs well with the savory flavors of garlic chicken.
2. Fried Rice – Flavorful fried rice adds texture and complements the dish nicely.
3. Spring Rolls – Crispy vegetable spring rolls offer a delightful crunch as an appetizer or side.
4. Sesame Cucumber Salad – This fresh salad provides a cool contrast to the warm garlic chicken.
5. Stir-Fried Bok Choy – Quickly stir-fried bok choy adds vibrant color and nutrients to your meal.
6. Egg Drop Soup – A light soup that balances the richness of the garlic chicken beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Chinese Garlic Chicken truly delicious, steer clear of these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the chicken helps enhance flavor. Even a short time with salt and pepper improves the taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of frying. Work in batches for a perfect golden crust.
• Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can result in uneven cooking. Use enough oil to shallow fry and achieve that crispy texture.
• Neglecting to prep ingredients ahead: Having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking streamlines the process and ensures everything cooks perfectly.
• Ignoring the garlic’s cooking time: Garlic can burn quickly, leading to bitterness. Stir-fry it just until fragrant for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Chinese Garlic Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Portion into smaller servings for easy defrosting.

Reheating Chinese Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries about preparing Chinese Garlic Chicken.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require slightly different cooking times due to their leaner nature.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as alternatives if you prefer a gluten-free option or want something less salty.

How spicy is Chinese Garlic Chicken?

This dish is not inherently spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or fresh chili peppers during cooking if desired.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and ensure you use vegetable broth or additional vinegar in place of soy sauce.

What sides pair well with Chinese Garlic Chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Garlic Chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings. Whether served over rice or as finger food at parties, this dish is sure to impress!