With China's vast and diverse culinary landscape, there's no shortage of mouthwatering chicken dishes to explore. From the fiery kick of Szechuan chicken to the comforting simplicity of chicken congee, these 20 recipes are your will broaden your horizons when it comes to cooking Chinese cuisine. So, grab your wok, and try one (or all) of these yummy chicken dishes.
1. General Tso's Chicken
General Tso's Chicken is a perfect mix of sweet and spicy flavours. This dish features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a thick, syrupy sauce with a hint of garlic and ginger. It's a popular takeout option, but making it at home allows you to control the sweetness and heat levels. Serve it with a side of steamed rice for a comforting meal.
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2. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a Szechuan classic known for its spicy kick and addictive flavour. It combines diced chicken with crunchy peanuts, vibrant bell peppers, and fiery chili peppers, all stir-fried in a savoury and slightly sweet sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. Don't forget the Szechuan peppercorns for that authentic spiciness.
3. Cashew Chicken
Cashew Chicken brings together tender chicken pieces, crispy cashews, and colourful vegetables in a light and savoury brown sauce. It's a less spicy option, making it a family-friendly choice for dinner. This dish emphasizes the satisfying crunch of cashews paired with the succulence of chicken. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
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4. Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its crispy exterior and sweet, tangy sauce flavored with orange zest and juice. The sauce caramelizes around the chicken pieces, creating an irresistible glaze. It's a perfect dish for those who enjoy a blend of citrus and sweetness with their protein. Pair it with fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
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5. Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken features bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savoury sauce, then sprinkled generously with toasted sesame seeds. The sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, and a touch of vinegar, clings to the chicken, ensuring every bite is flavourful. Serve it over a bed of rice for a simple yet impressive meal.
6. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken is all about contrasts, combining crispy chicken with a vibrant sauce that's perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet. Pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions add freshness and a bit of crunch. Enjoy it with steamed rice for a classic Chinese takeout experience at home.
Image by Jason Goh from Pixabay
7. Moo Goo Gai Pan
Moo Goo Gai Pan is a Cantonese dish featuring sliced chicken and mushrooms along with a variety of vegetables in a light garlic sauce. It's known for its fresh, clean flavours and is a great way to enjoy a plethora of veggies in one dish. This dish is a testament to the delicousness of Cantonese cuisine.
Image by gahinggahing from Pixabay
8. Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is a noodle lover's dream, combining tender strips of chicken with stir-fried noodles and a selection of vegetables, all tossed in a savoury sauce. It's a versatile dish that allows you to use whatever veggies you have on hand. The key is in the wok-fried noodles that absorb all the flavours of the sauce. It's a one-pan wonder that's perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Image by Sunday133 from Pixabay
9. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food, transforming leftover rice into a flavourful dish with chicken, eggs, and vegetables. It's a great way to use up bits and pieces from the fridge. The trick is to use cold, day-old rice, as it fries up better than fresh rice. This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine for its simplicity and deliciousness.
Image by takedahrs from Pixabay
10. Szechuan Chicken
Szechuan Chicken is for those who dare to embrace the heat. It's a fiery dish made with dried chili peppers, Szechuan peppercorns, and plenty of garlic and ginger. The chicken is stir-fried until tender, then coated in a spicy and numbing sauce that's unmistakably Szechuan. Serve it with a side of plain rice to help tame the fire.
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11. Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken combines the sweetness of honey with the robust flavour of garlic, creating a sticky, glossy sauce that's utterly addictive. The chicken is first pan-fried to a golden perfection, then simmered in the sauce. It's a simple dish with big flavours, perfect for those who love a sweet and savoury combination. Serve it over rice to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Image by fancycrave1 from Pixabay
12. Lemon Chicken
Lemon Chicken offers a refreshing twist with its light and zesty lemon sauce drizzled over crispy chicken pieces. The sauce, made with fresh lemon juice and zest, brings a bright pop of flavour that complements the chicken beautifully. It's a dish that feels both indulgent and light at the same time. Pair it with vegetables and rice for a balanced meal.
13. Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a savoury and slightly spicy dish that showcases the umami-rich flavour of fermented black beans. The chicken is stir-fried with peppers and onions, then coated in a thick sauce that's bursting with flavour. This dish is a testament to the depth and complexity of Chinese sauces. Enjoy it with steamed rice for a truly satisfying meal.
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14. Spicy Garlic Eggplant with Chicken
Spicy Garlic Eggplant with Chicken marries the soft, creamy texture of eggplant with tender chicken in a garlicky, spicy sauce. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. The eggplant absorbs the flavours of the sauce, making every bite a delicious blend of spice and umami.
Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay
15. Chicken and Broccoli
Chicken and Broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that pairs tender chicken with crisp, fresh broccoli in a savoury sauce. It's a healthy, protein-packed meal that's perfect for those looking for a lighter option. The sauce, a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar, ties everything together beautifully. Serve it with rice for a complete, nutritious meal.
Image by Meszárcsek Gergely from Pixabay
16. Mapo Chicken
Mapo Chicken is a variation of the traditional Mapo Tofu, replacing tofu with chicken for a meatier version of this Szechuan favorite. It's spicy, numbing, and incredibly flavourful, featuring ground chicken, Szechuan peppercorns, and bean paste. This dish is a bold choice for those looking to explore the intense flavours of Szechuan cuisine. Serve it over rice to balance the heat.
Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay
17. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a light and healthy option, featuring ground chicken cooked with onions, garlic, and hoisin sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves. It's a fun, hands-on meal that's both delicious and low in carbs. The mixture is savoury and slightly sweet, with a satisfying crunch from the lettuce. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Image by Marzena P. from Pixabay
18. Chinese Lemon Chicken
Chinese Lemon Chicken is similar to Lemon Chicken but features a batter-coated chicken that's fried and then coated in a lemony sauce. The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making the chicken incredibly appetizing.
19. Chicken Congee
Chicken Congee is a comforting rice porridge that's perfect for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather. It's made by slow-cooking rice until it breaks down into a creamy consistency, then flavoured with chicken, ginger, and a hint of soy sauce.
Photo by Brett Wharton on Unsplash
20. Beggar's Chicken
Beggar's Chicken is a traditional dish known for its unique preparation and spectacular presentation. A whole chicken is marinated, stuffed with mushrooms and herbs, then wrapped in lotus leaves and clay before being baked for hours. The result is a tender, flavourful chicken that's steeped in aromatic spices and juices.
