Oh my goodness, if you love garlic, you are in for a treat! This *chicken in garlic sauce* is a classic Chinese dish that’s bursting with flavor and so easy to whip up at home. I remember the first time I tried it at a little takeout spot in my neighborhood; the aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn’t get enough of that rich, savory sauce. I knew I had to recreate it! The tender chicken combined with the punchy garlic sauce just dances on your taste buds. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your weekly rotation. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients for Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
To make this mouthwatering chicken in garlic sauce, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. These are the building blocks of an unforgettable meal!
- 500g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (you can adjust this based on how garlicky you like it!)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps to tenderize the chicken and thicken the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for that perfect stir-fry sizzle)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for a fresh, vibrant finish)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delightful dish that’ll impress everyone at the table!
How to Prepare Chicken in Garlic Sauce
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this dish to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful chicken in garlic sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the sliced chicken breast. In a bowl, combine the chicken with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure every piece is coated. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial—trust me, it makes the chicken tender and flavorful!
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Once the chicken is marinated, heat up a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke—this is key for achieving that perfect stir-fry sizzle!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic! Sauté it in the hot oil for about 30 seconds or until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; it can go from perfectly golden to bitter quickly!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Next, toss in the marinated chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is no longer pink and has a lovely golden color on the outside.
Step 5: Add Broth and Sugar
Pour in the chicken broth and add the sugar, stirring well to combine everything. This will create that luscious sauce that clings to the chicken. Let it come to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. As it simmers, it’ll thicken beautifully. Keep an eye on it—you want a nice glossy finish, so stir occasionally!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to serve! Remove the pan from heat and garnish with the chopped green onions. Serve this delightful chicken in garlic sauce over a bed of steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This dish comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful sauce: The rich garlic sauce is a showstopper, balancing savory and sweet notes that will have you craving more.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
- Healthy option: With lean chicken and fresh ingredients, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence that’s packed with protein.
- Impressive presentation: Serve it over rice or noodles and watch your family and friends rave about your cooking skills!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken in garlic sauce turns out absolutely delicious, here are some tips that I swear by! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference.
- Don’t skip the marination: Letting the chicken soak in the soy sauce and oyster sauce for at least 30 minutes is essential. This step infuses flavor and helps tenderize the meat, so don’t rush it!
- Keep an eye on the garlic: Garlic can go from fragrant to burnt in a blink! Sauté it just until it’s golden and aromatic—this brings out its sweetness without the bitterness.
- Use high heat: For that classic stir-fry texture, make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sizzle means you’ll get that lovely browning, which is key for flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the chicken in two batches instead of piling it all in. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming—nobody wants soggy chicken!
- Adjust the sauce: Taste the sauce as it simmers! If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar. For a saltier kick, a splash of soy sauce can do wonders. Make it your own!
- Pair with the right sides: This dish shines when served with fluffy steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. They soak up that delicious sauce and balance out the meal wonderfully.
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you love best. Enjoy the process!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious meal, knowing the nutritional breakdown can be super helpful! Here’s an estimated look at the nutritional values for one serving of this chicken in garlic sauce. Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly based on specific brands and ingredients used.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also comes with a good amount of protein, making it a great option for a hearty meal. Enjoy every delicious bite while feeling good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a pinch of sugar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and marinate it a few hours in advance. Just cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just add them after sautéing the garlic, and cook until they’re tender-crisp!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chicken in garlic sauce properly is key to keeping all that delicious flavor intact! Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them into an airtight container. This will help maintain freshness and prevent any funky odors from sneaking in.
Store your container in the fridge, and you can keep the leftovers for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, you’ll want to reheat the chicken gently. I recommend using a skillet over low heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to keep it moist while you warm it up. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave! Just place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely with a lid or a damp paper towel, and heat it in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out. The goal is to enjoy that savory garlic sauce just as much as you did the first time around!
Z nadrukami
Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe: 7 Luscious Steps
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A classic Chinese dish featuring chicken cooked in a flavorful garlic sauce.
Składniki
- 500g chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instrukcje
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add marinated chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and sugar, stir well.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust garlic amount to taste.
- Serve with steamed rice.
- Can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Stir Fry
- Kuchnia: Chinese
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: chicken in garlic sauce, Chinese recipe, stir fry chicken
