Mouth-watering Empress Chicken Recipe to Impress Your Guests
Are you looking to add a new dish to your meal rotation that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings? Look no further than my Empress Chicken Recipe – a classic Chinese dish that is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Originating from the fiery kitchens of China, Empress Chicken is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique blend of sweet and sour flavors. I have carefully crafted this recipe to ensure that every ingredient comes together in perfect harmony, giving you a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Using boneless skinless chicken breasts as the base for this dish, my recipe combines a mixture of soy sauce, white vinegar, cornstarch, and sugar to create a succulent glaze that brings out the best in the protein. Fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic add depth and warmth to the flavor profile, while green onions provide a subtle crunch and color contrast.
Beyond its delicious taste, this easy-to-make dish can be prepared in under 20 minutes using only one pan – perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests. So why not impress your family and friends with something new and exciting? Try my Empress Chicken recipe today and experience the tastes of China without ever leaving your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
“Empress Chicken” – just the name of this dish conjures up visions of elegance, luxury and royalty all rolled into one heavenly meal. And let me tell you, this recipe is everything that the name promises and more!
Picture this: succulent, juicy bite-sized chunks of boneless skinless chicken breasts tossed in a delectable sweet and sour sauce that’s infused with the flavors of fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, white vinegar, and sugar – all served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. Can you smell it? Can you taste it?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Chinese food or wants to experience something new and exciting. The flavor profile of Empress Chicken is unlike any other Chinese dish I’ve ever tasted – it’s unique, sophisticated and absolutely delicious.
Emperor Chicken has long been a popular staple on menus at Chinese restaurants across the globe. But now, with this recipe: empress chicken made easy in one pan in 20 minutes or less, you can enjoy all these flavors without ever having to leave your own kitchen!
Not to mention, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste buds or even swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option. It’s truly an adaptable dish that will never get old.
So what are you waiting for? If you haven’t tried Empress Chicken yet, I promise you’re in for a real treat. Once you take your first bite of this immaculate culinary creation – there’s no going back.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to make Empress Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Sauce Mixture:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sugar
For Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced
Make sure you have all the ingredients before starting to cook. Once you have everything in place, making this delicious Empress Chicken recipe is quick and easy – just follow the instructions below!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the exciting part of making the Empress Chicken recipe! With our ingredients prepped, we’re ready to start cooking. This recipe is a stir fry, which means it is quick and easy to make. Here’s how to make it:
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size cubes), 2 beaten egg whites, and 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
- In another bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 3/4 cup of chicken broth.
Cooking
Step 1: Heat up some oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the chicken cubes to the pan and continue stir-frying for about 5-6 minutes until they turn golden.
Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken in the pan. Also add half a cup of sugar and stir everything together. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly.
Garnishing
- Top with sliced fresh green onions for an added burst of flavor.
That’s it! Your delicious Empress Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to mix things up with this Empress Chicken recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try.
First off, if boneless skinless chicken breasts aren’t your thing, you can substitute them with boneless chicken thighs. The dark meat in the thighs adds a richer flavor and stays moist even when stir-fried. You can also swap out the chicken entirely with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version of this spicy sweet-sour dish.
If you’re looking to make the recipe a bit healthier, you can skip the deep-frying step and bake the chicken in the oven instead. Just toss sliced chicken with cornstarch and egg whites as usual, then place it on a baking sheet and spray with cooking oil. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re crispy and golden brown.
To make the dish less spicy, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or eliminate them altogether. Or if you want to increase the heat level, add more red pepper flakes or even Sriracha sauce to taste.
Finally, you can also experiment with different vegetables in this stir fry. Instead of green onions, try using sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or even snap peas. Just be sure to adjust their cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking or undercooking them.
Whatever variation you choose to make, don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on this classic Chinese dish.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have finished cooking the Empress Chicken, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! This dish is best served on a bed of steaming hot rice with some green onions finely chopped and sprinkled on top. The soft texture of the rice complements the crunchy chicken pieces perfectly.
Empress chicken pairs well with various dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables including broccoli, green beans or snow peas. You can also serve it with noodles and steamed dumplings on the side.
If you want to make your meal more healthy, add some stir-fried vegetables that will elevate the vibrant colors of your plate. On the other hand, if you prefer indulgent flavors, crispy egg rolls would make an ideal pairing for this dish.
If you’re looking to have a low-carb meal, serving this chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice would be an excellent choice. The flavors will still harmonize nicely and you’ll enjoy a healthy and well-balanced meal.
With its unique blend of sweet and sour flavor, Empress Chicken gives you the flexibility to pair it with many options – from vegetable stir-fry sides to appetizers or even dipping sauces!
Once you’ve tried this Chinese classic, we guarantee that you’ll want to prepare it regularly. This is an ideal dish to impress family and friends in any occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Empress Chicken is an incredibly delicious dish that can be made ahead of time and stored properly to maintain its taste and texture. After cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat Empress Chicken, transfer the chicken to a microwave-safe dish and reheat on high for 30-second intervals until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a pan over medium heat with a tablespoon of water until it’s heated through. To preserve the crispy texture of the chicken, avoid reheating it in the oven or toaster oven.
If you want to make Empress Chicken ahead of time, you can prepare the ingredients according to steps 1-6 up to 2 days ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
It’s also worth noting that Empress Chicken makes an excellent meal prep option. You can easily pack it into meal prep containers for delicious and healthy meals throughout the week. Just make sure to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat as described above.
With these tips on make-ahead cooking, storing, and reheating Empress Chicken, you can have a stress-free and delicious dinner experience every time!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making Empress Chicken, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind to ensure you get the best possible results. These simple yet crucial tips can make all the difference in the final outcome of your dish. Here are some tips for perfect results when making this Chinese favorite:
1. Use Cornstarch Wisely
Cornstarch is a key ingredient in the recipe as it helps create the crispy texture of the chicken. Be sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly and adequately using cornstarch before frying them. Also, don’t add too much cornstarch, as it will make the coating too thick and overpowering.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Another essential tip when making Empress Chicken is to avoid overcrowding the pan or wok where you’re stir-frying the chicken cubes. You want to maintain a hot temperature throughout cooking, so adding too many chicken pieces at once will cause them to steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy, rather than crispy texture.
3: Fry Once and Sauce Later
To achieve crispy, golden-brown Empress Chicken that remains crispy even after coated with sauce, there’s only one frying session required. So instead of following the typical twice-fried method found in many other chicken recipes, this recipe calls for tossing fried chicken bites with Empress sauce later.
4: Cut The Meat Correctly
The way you cut your meat can affect how even they cook and gives off better taste than equivalent-sized chunks resulting from poor dice work. Take time to remove any fat or tough pieces and cube your boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized chunks.
5: Let the Oil Heat Up
Before adding your chicken cubes to your wok or deep frying pan, don’t forget to give your cooking oil time to heat up sufficiently- around 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees C). If you start frying before the oil reaches optimal temperatures, you risk ending up with undercooked meats or soggy breading – and that’s not how Chinese empress-style chiicken is supposed to be!
By following these handy tips when making Empress Chicken recipe at home, you’ll be able to turn out perfectly crispy and delicious Chinese-style chicken in no time!
FAQ
Now that we have gone through the detailed steps for cooking the Empress Chicken recipe, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions about this dish. If you are new to cooking or to this recipe, you may have some doubts or queries about certain aspects of the recipe. So, in this section, I will try to clear up any questions or concerns you may have. Keep reading to see if any of your queries are answered here.
What is Empress chicken made of?
Have you ever wanted to recreate that delicious, crispy chicken from Chinese takeout at home? Look no further than Empress Chicken! This classic dish involves coating chicken in cornstarch and cooking it to crispy perfection before tossing it in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that will delight your taste buds. And the best part? You can easily make it at home! Follow along for my tips and tricks on how to make Empress Chicken like a pro.
What is the difference between General Tso chicken and Empress Chicken?
When comparing Empress chicken and General Tso’s chicken, the main distinguishable aspect is the taste. The former has a kick of heat to it, while the latter boasts a combination of tanginess and spiciness.
What does emperor chicken taste like?
If you’re a fan of Chinese chicken cuisine, then you might want to try out the delicious and spicy empress chicken recipe. It’s a variation of the sweet and sour chicken dishes, but with a breaded crust that provides a truly satisfying crunch. The sauce is a perfect blend of tangy vinegar and sweet notes that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
How do Chinese get chicken so soft?
Before stir-frying your meat or seafood, consider prepping it in one of these ways for a tender and juicy result. One approach is to marinate it in a cornstarch or cornflour sludge, followed by deep-frying or blanching in water. Alternatively, you can use egg whites instead of the sludge. Another option is to use a chemical tenderizer. Each of these methods can yield a fantastic stir-fry dish, so choose the one that suits your taste and style. Let’s dive into the details of each method below.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Empress Chicken recipe is a must-try for all chicken lovers out there. With its perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, this recipe will make you feel like a professional chef in the comfort of your own home.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe by adding your own variations or substitutions to make it your own. This dish is also easy to make and can be prepared quickly in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
So what are you waiting for? Impress your family and friends with this delicious Empress Chicken recipe and bring the flavors of Chinese cuisine into your kitchen. Trust me; it’ll be worth trying!
Empress Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4-1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 3 -4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, chopped
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/4 cup dark soy sauce (tamari)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups green onions, minced (one bunch)
- 8 small hot peppers, diced (I used jalapenos)
Instructions
- Combine first 7 ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously. Store in fridge until ready.
- Mix chicken with 1/4 cup dark soy sauce. Stir in egg.
- Add cornstarch and mix chicken until coated.
- Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Place a small amount of oil in wok and heat to very hot.
- Add onions and peppers and stir fry 30 seconds.
- Stir in sauce mixture (shake again first).
- Cook until thick. If it gets too thick, add some water until desired consistency.
- Add chicken and cook until hot and bubbly.
- Serve over hot rice.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.