Chinese Chicken Curry

Chinese Chicken Curry is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables in a rich and flavorful homemade curry sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is both easy to prepare and satisfies the taste buds of family and friends. The blend of spices gives it an authentic taste that will transport you to your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful: The homemade curry sauce bursts with flavor from spices like turmeric, curry powder, and Chinese five spice.
• Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, allowing you to customize your meal.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber-rich vegetables, it’s a wholesome option for any dinner table.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild spice levels make it suitable for children, ensuring the whole family will enjoy it.

Tools and Preparation

To create this scrumptious Chinese Chicken Curry, having the right tools makes all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Medium pot
• Large skillet or pan
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for even cooking of chicken and vegetables.
• Medium pot: Ideal for preparing your curry sauce without splatter.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps in your sauce.

Ingredients

Tender chicken slices, bell pepper, onion and green peas cooked in flavourful homemade Chinese curry sauce.

For the Chicken

• 12 oz Chicken breast (Or chicken thigh (about 350 g))

For the Vegetables

• ½ Sweet onion (sliced)
• 1 Bell pepper (sliced)
• ½ cup Green peas
• Spring onions (chopped (for garnish))

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp Garlic (Chopped)
• 1 tbsp Soy sauce
• ¼ tsp White pepper
• 1½ cup Chicken stock (low sodium)
• 1 tbsp Curry powder (use any curry powder mild/hot)
• 1 tsp Chinese five spices powder
• ½ tsp Turmeric powder
• ½ tsp Chilli powder (Or paprika powder)
• ½ tsp Salt (adjust salt according to taste)
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Corn Starch
• 1 tbsp Plain Flour

How to Make Chinese Chicken Curry

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into thin slices. Season with a tablespoon of soy sauce and ¼ teaspoon of white pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

Prepare your vegetables by slicing the onion and bell pepper thinly. Finely chop the garlic cloves.

Step 3: Make the Curry Sauce

In a medium pot, add chicken stock, turmeric, curry powder, Chinese five-spice powder, chilli powder, corn starch, and plain flour. Add salt and sugar to taste. Whisk well to dissolve all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Turn on the heat to medium-low. Cook while stirring continuously until the sauce starts to thicken. Once thickened, turn off the heat and set aside to keep warm.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

In a large pan or skillet, drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of oil. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes until cooked through.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add chopped garlic and stir for a few seconds before adding onion slices, bell pepper slices, and green peas. Stir well and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Pour the prepared curry sauce into the pan with chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Let it cook together for another 1–2 minutes. If too thick, add a bit of warm water or more chicken stock as needed.

Step 8: Taste Test

Make a taste test! Adjust salt or sugar according to your preference if necessary.

Step 9: Serve

Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately over a bowl of steamed rice.

Step 10: Garnish

Garnish with chopped spring onions for added freshness before enjoying your delicious meal!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Curry

Chinese Chicken Curry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal and delight your taste buds.

Over Steamed Rice

• This classic option allows the rich flavors of the curry to soak into the rice, creating a satisfying combination.

With Noodles

• Serve the curry over your favorite noodles for a comforting twist. Opt for egg noodles or rice noodles to complement the dish.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, spoon the chicken curry into crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a fun and healthy finger food.

With Roti or Naan

• Pairing Chinese Chicken Curry with roti or naan adds an exciting texture. The bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful curry.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your dish with fresh cilantro or basil for an aromatic touch. This enhances both flavor and presentation.

As Part of a Curry Platter

• Serve alongside other curries for a vibrant feast. Combine with vegetable curry or lentil curry for diverse tastes and textures.

How to Perfect Chinese Chicken Curry

Creating the perfect Chinese Chicken Curry requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your dish.

• Choose quality chicken: Use fresh chicken breast or thigh for tenderness and flavor.
• Balance spices: Adjust spices according to your preference; taste as you go to find that perfect balance.
• Thicken sauce: If your sauce is too thin, mix in a little corn starch dissolved in water for added thickness.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to include additional vegetables like carrots or broccoli for more nutrition and color.
• Control heat: Adjust the level of chili powder based on how spicy you want your curry; start mild if unsure.
• Let it rest: Allow the curry to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps blend the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese Chicken Curry

To complement your Chinese Chicken Curry, consider these delicious side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly. Each option adds its unique flair without overwhelming the main dish.

1. Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, carrots, and snap peas adds color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice can enhance your meal with its savory taste and hearty texture.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the curry.
4. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls are great as an appetizer or side, adding crunch and excitement.
5. Mango Chutney: Sweet mango chutney pairs well with spicy dishes, offering a delightful sweetness.
6. Pickled Radishes: Tangy pickled radishes serve as a palate cleanser between bites of curry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chinese Chicken Curry, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a delicious dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavor. Always marinate with soy sauce and seasonings beforehand.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Stir-fry just until cooked through, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Not thickening the sauce properly: If you don’t whisk the flour and starch well, you might end up with lumps in your sauce. Make sure to dissolve them thoroughly in the stock.
• Using high-sodium stock: High-sodium chicken stock can overpower your dish. Opt for low sodium stock to control the saltiness.
• Ignoring vegetable prep: Chopping vegetables unevenly can affect cooking times and texture. Slice them uniformly for even cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chinese Chicken Curry

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Chinese Chicken Curry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chinese Chicken Curry?

Chinese Chicken Curry is a flavorful dish made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich curry sauce, often served with rice.

Can I customize the vegetables used?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas to enhance the dish’s flavor and color.

How spicy is this Chinese Chicken Curry?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder or paprika used. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with beef, turkey, or lamb if you’re looking for variety.

What should I serve with Chinese Chicken Curry?

It’s best served over steamed rice but also pairs well with noodles or quinoa for a different twist.

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken Curry recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins according to your taste. Try it today and enjoy a comforting meal that brings together vibrant flavors!

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