A delicious Chinese chicken with onions recipe that’s much better than at the restaurant
Chinese cuisine is full of flavorful and colorful dishes, among which stir-fried onion chicken holds a special place for its rich taste and ease of preparation. This dish, combining tender chicken with sweet onions, is enhanced by an aromatic and spicy sauce, offering a highly comforting experience.
A bit of history
At the heart of Chinese culinary tradition lies onion chicken. This dish, a legacy from a past where culinary art was already highly refined, symbolizes the harmony of tastes and aromas that characterize this country’s gastronomy.
Through the centuries, it has managed to preserve its essence, offering a beautiful example of how Chinese dishes subtly combine ingredients to achieve perfect balance. More than just a recipe, onion chicken tells a story of flavors passed down from generation to generation, reflecting the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.
Tips for successful Chinese onion chicken
Use chicken thighs: For optimal results, opt for tender pieces such as thighs. This guarantees juicy and flavorful chicken after cooking.
Careful preparation of onions: For even cooking and for the onions to blend perfectly into the dish, it’s advisable to slice them thinly. This allows them to cook evenly and develop a soft and pleasant texture in the mouth.
Temperature control: Using a wok involves cooking over high heat. This technique allows for quick searing of food, making it crispy on the outside while retaining tenderness and nutritional value on the inside.
Patience makes the difference: For flavors to blend perfectly, it’s important not to rush. Add ingredients gradually, starting with those that require longer cooking, and incorporate sauces at the right time so they coat the chicken and onions well
The main ingredients of onion chicken
Boneless chicken thigh: Provides texture and protein, the base of the dish. Using thigh meat gives the ideal juiciness to the meat
Rehydrated dried chilies: Offer an optional spicy touch.
Oyster sauce: Brings rich umami and slight sweetness.
Dark soy sauce: Provides color and depth.
Light soy sauce: Balances with a lighter salty flavor.
Shaoxing wine: Adds acidity and complexity. It can be replaced with dry sherry
White pepper: Adds a subtle spicy touch.
Chinese Chicken and Onions Stir Fry
Matériel
Ingredients
- 230 g of chicken in thin slices. Preferably use boneless chicken thighs
- 2 onions sliced
- 2 dried chili peppers rehydrated, optional
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 2 stems of green onion in segments green parts separated from the white parts
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 pinch white pepper
Sauce thickening (mix together beforehand)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Procédé
- Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
- Add the chicken and brown it on all sides over medium heat for a minute or two.
- Add the onions.
- If desired, add the dried chili peppers.
- Cook for a minute or two until the onions soften.
- Add the garlic and the white parts of the chopped green onions.
- Add the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce. Mix well.
- Incorporate the sugar and shaoxing wine.
- Add the white pepper.
- Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch solution.
- Incorporate the green parts of the green onions.
- Serve hot over rice
