Chinese Chicken Skillet Recipe: Quick and Easy One-Pan Meal

Table of Contents

Overview of Chinese Chicken Skillet Recipe

I love making Chinese chicken skillet recipe as it is a quick and easy meal that is packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with a delicious and healthy meal.

To make this recipe, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, green beans, and peppers. You can also add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to the recipe to make it more colorful and nutritious.

The Chinese five-spice blend is the key ingredient that gives this recipe its unique flavor. This spice blend typically includes fennel, clove, cinnamon, peppers, and star anise. You can make your own blend or purchase it at most grocery stores.

Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this recipe:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
Green beans
Peppers
Chinese five-spice blend
Soy sauce
Garlic
Ginger
Sesame oil
Rice vinegar
Brown sugar
Cornstarch

To make this recipe, start by heating oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Then, add the green beans and peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve the Chinese chicken skillet recipe over rice or noodles for a complete meal. This recipe is perfect for meal prep as you can make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

As I prepare to share my recipe for Chinese chicken skillet, I want to discuss some essential ingredients and substitutions that can help you customize the recipe to your taste and preferences.

Protein Choices

The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces. However, you can use other protein options like beef or shrimp. If you are using beef, make sure to cut it into thin strips and cook it for a longer time. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it towards the end of cooking.

Vegetable Selection

The recipe includes a vegetable blend of bell peppers, water chestnuts, and carrots. However, you can use other vegetables like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or snap peas. The key is to choose vegetables that can hold up well in the skillet and add a nice crunch to the dish.

Sauce Components

The sauce is the heart of the recipe. It includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. If you want a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for soy sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the flavors.

Aromatics and Seasonings

The recipe calls for garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. You can add other aromatics like cilantro or scallions to enhance the flavor. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ginger powder. Also, sesame oil and sesame seeds are optional but can add a nice nutty flavor to the dish.

Here is a list of essential ingredients and substitutions for the Chinese chicken skillet recipe:

Protein Choices: chicken breast, beef, shrimp
Vegetable Selection: bell peppers, water chestnuts, carrots, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, snap peas
Sauce Components: soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, tamari (gluten-free option), honey or brown sugar
Aromatics and Seasonings: garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, cilantro, scallions, sesame oil, sesame seeds (optional)

By using these essential ingredients and substitutions, you can customize the recipe to your taste and preferences.

Preparation Techniques

When it comes to making a delicious Chinese Chicken Skillet recipe, there are a few key preparation techniques that you should keep in mind. In this section, I will cover the three most important steps: marinating the chicken, stir-frying in a skillet or wok, and thickening the sauce.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is an essential step to ensure that your Chinese Chicken Skillet recipe is flavorful and tender. To make the marinade, you will need to combine a few ingredients such as soy sauce, sherry, cornstarch, and garlic cloves. The marinade should be prepared at least an hour before cooking and the chicken should be left to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.

Stir-Frying in a Skillet or Wok

Once the chicken has been marinated, it’s time to stir-fry it in a skillet or wok. A wok is the traditional tool for stir-frying, but a skillet can also be used. The key to stir-frying is to heat the pan until it’s very hot before adding the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.

To stir-fry the chicken, heat the skillet or wok over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken and stir-fry for a few minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Thickening the Sauce

The final step in making a delicious Chinese Chicken Skillet recipe is to thicken the sauce. To do this, you will need to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of chicken stock until smooth. Add the mixture to the pan along with some cider vinegar, star anise, and a little bit of sugar. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens, then add the chicken back to the pan and stir until it’s coated in the sauce.

In summary, marinating the chicken, stir-frying in a skillet or wok, and thickening the sauce are the three most important preparation techniques for making a delicious Chinese Chicken Skillet recipe. By following these steps, you can create a flavorful and tender dish that’s sure to impress.

Cooking and Serving

Managing Cooking Times

When it comes to cooking Chinese chicken skillet, timing is everything. I like to start by preparing the marinade and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, I allow the chicken to marinate for about 10-15 minutes. While the chicken is marinating, I cook the rice or noodles according to the package instructions. I prefer using jasmine rice, but you can use any type of rice or noodles you like.

Once the chicken is marinated, I heat up some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Then, I add the chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. Be sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.

Accompaniments and Side Dishes

Chinese chicken skillet is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some of my favorite options:

Rice: Jasmine rice is a classic pairing with Chinese chicken skillet. I like to serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of fluffy rice, which soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Veggies: To add some extra nutrition and color to the dish, I like to stir-fry some veggies along with the chicken. Green onions, bell peppers, and green beans are all great options.
Asian slaw: If you’re looking for a refreshing and crunchy side dish, try serving Chinese chicken skillet with a simple Asian slaw. Just shred some cabbage, carrots, and radishes, and toss with a dressing made of rice vinegar, honey, and soy sauce.
Fried rice: For a heartier and more filling meal, try serving Chinese chicken skillet with some homemade fried rice. Just cook some leftover rice in a pan with eggs, veggies, and soy sauce, and you have a delicious and satisfying side dish.

Chinese chicken skillet is also a great alternative to takeout, as it’s easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and other ingredients.

Nutritional Information

When it comes to healthy eating, knowing the nutritional information of the food we consume is essential. In this section, I will provide you with the relevant nutritional information for the Chinese Chicken Skillet recipe.

To start with, one serving of this recipe (1 cup chicken mixture and 1/2 cup rice) contains approximately 317 calories. The fat content is relatively low, with only 4g of fat per serving. Additionally, the recipe provides 21g of protein per serving, which is essential for building and repairing body tissues.

The recipe also contains 4g of fiber per serving, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. The fiber content of the recipe can be increased by adding more vegetables or using brown rice instead of white rice.

It is important to note that the nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used in the recipe. For example, using skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs can decrease the fat content of the recipe.

In summary, the Chinese Chicken Skillet recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option that provides a good balance of macronutrients. It is a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet while still enjoying a delicious meal.

Recipe Variations and Tips

Making it Gluten-Free

For those who are gluten intolerant, this Chinese chicken skillet recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives provide a similar taste to soy sauce but without the gluten. Additionally, make sure to use gluten-free noodles if using them in the recipe.

Adjusting for Spice Levels

If you prefer your Chinese chicken skillet recipe to be spicier, simply add more red pepper flakes or chili oil to the dish. Alternatively, if you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or chili oil. You can also adjust the spice level by using mild or hot curry paste instead of ground ginger.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While this recipe is designed for a skillet, it can also be made in the oven. Simply place the chicken and vegetables in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can also try making this recipe in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of this recipe:

For a change of pace, try substituting the chicken with shrimp or tofu.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights since it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you don’t have ground ginger on hand, you can use fresh ginger instead. Simply grate the ginger and add it to the skillet with the other ingredients.
This Chinese chicken skillet recipe is a great way to enjoy Asian food without having to order takeout.