Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Canton with this mouthwatering Chinese Chicken in Plum Sauce! Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces glazed in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This restaurant-quality dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines traditional Chinese cooking techniques with bold, unforgettable flavors that will make your kitchen smell like a gourmet restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plum sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming excess fat from chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together plum sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, water, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the marinade.
- Place chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the liquid.
- Cook chicken pieces in the hot skillet, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the reserved marinade to create a slurry, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Pour remaining marinade into the skillet with chicken, add cornstarch slurry, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Choose the right chicken: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they remain juicy and tender during cooking.
- Marination is key: Don't rush the marinating process. The 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- High heat matters: Use a non-stick skillet or wok and cook on medium-high heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Watch your cornstarch slurry: Mix it thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Fresh ingredients make a difference: Use fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to maintain the perfect sauce consistency and chicken texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
