You can easily elevate your mealtime routine by incorporating some delicious and easy-to-make Chinese chicken recipes into your daily cooking repertoire. It’s undeniable that Chinese takeout is a comforting favorite for many, offering a rich and savory flavor experience that’s hard to resist. However, we all know the downside of frequent Chinese takeout – the high sodium content and unhealthy additives can have negative effects on our health when consumed excessively.
So, why not try cooking your own Chinese-inspired dishes at home? Not only will you avoid the MSG found in many takeout options, but you’ll also find that they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. This collection showcases a variety of mouth-watering Chinese chicken recipes, including classic favorites like sticky orange chicken and crispy egg rolls.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these dishes are sure to impress with their bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Easy Chinese Almond Chicken
Year after year, Chinese almond chicken has proven itself to be one of the most satisfying stir-fry dishes out there. Made with tender chunks of marinated chicken, crunchy almonds, and an assortment of colorful vegetables like snow peas and water chestnuts, this dish is a true reflection of Asian culinary perfection.
The harmony achieved by tossing these ingredients together in a delectable savory-sweet sauce will undoubtedly delight your taste buds, while the diverse array of textures adds an extra layer of excitement to each bite.
Moo Shu Chicken
Not only does moo shu chicken stand out as another delectable chicken stir-fry option, but it also boasts a unique combination of ingredients like cucumbers, lily flowers, and ear mushrooms. Some of these components may be challenging to locate, especially if you’re not familiar with the local Asian grocery scene or don’t have one nearby. Fortunately, this recipe allows for substitutions – in place of the harder-to-find items, cabbage and shiitake mushrooms can be used instead.
One element that cannot be replaced, however, is the sauce, a harmonious blend of hoisin, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil, which contributes significantly to its distinct flavor profile as a sweet and savory combination.
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Culinary enthusiasts often sing the praises of Chinese chicken and broccoli, and for good reason – this classic stir-fry never fails to hit the spot. The combination of succulent chicken chunks and crunchy broccoli florets, all coated in a delectable sweet and savory sauce, creates a harmonious balance between flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re watching your weight or simply seeking a light yet filling dinner option, this dish is an excellent choice – with fewer than 200 calories per serving, it’s hard to go wrong! For those looking to turn up the volume on their meal, pairing Chinese chicken and broccoli with steamed white rice creates a satisfying and comforting combination that will leave you feeling full and content.
If you’re eager to try this recipe for yourself, click the link below to access the full instructions.
Chinese Garlic Chicken
Rich in flavor and simplicity, this mouth-watering chicken and garlic dish is a must-add to your weekly meal rotation. It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires just a few basic ingredients. The combination of sweet soy sauce, nutty sesame seeds, and drizzled honey creates a delectable harmony of flavors that will elevate your dinner game. With this recipe in hand, you’ll be able to whip up one phenomenal dinner that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Spicy Chinese Chicken
Zest up your mealtime with a spicy kick from this fiery Chinese chicken stir-fry! While marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili already gives you a taste of what’s to come, the dish takes it up a notch with the addition of dragon sauce. This potent blend of chili peppers, chili sauce, and garlic ginger paste is sure to leave your taste buds tingling. But don’t say we didn’t warn you – this spicy stir-fry isn’t for the faint of heart.
If you’re ready to handle the heat, go ahead and give it a try!
Moo Goo Gai Pan
Lightly sautéed chicken, succulent mushrooms, and crunchy Chinese white cabbage come together in a classic Cantonese stir-fry known as moo goo gai pan. A vital component of this dish is its savory sauce, expertly blended from a combination of sesame oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. The harmonious fusion of these ingredients creates an intense umami flavor profile that beautifully enhances the natural flavors of each component.
Chicken Chow Mein
Packed with a medley of flavors and textures, this beloved Chinese dish is a staple in many households. People around the world love its simplicity and versatility. A classic stir-fry made with chow mein noodles, meat (usually chicken), an assortment of vegetables, and a delectable sauce, it’s a recipe that allows for creativity and experimentation. There are no hard and fast rules about which ingredients to include, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this iconic dish.
Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and easy or want to try new combinations of flavors and textures, this chow mein recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Best Chicken Lo Mein
Generally speaking, one of the most beloved Chinese classics in America has won over countless hearts with its irresistible charm. Its appeal lies in the harmonious blend of egg noodles, succulent chicken, an array of colorful vegetables, and a richly flavored savory sauce that perfectly complements each other. Those who are curious about the distinction between chow mein and lo mein can find a detailed explanation on our website for further clarification.
3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Breaking down what makes Orange Chicken a beloved Chinese takeout item, reveals two key components: the crunchy texture of battered and fried chicken, and the enigmatic secret sauce. Both factors combine to make this dish irresistible to many food lovers. Interestingly, the sauce is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, requiring just three main ingredients: orange marmalade, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce. This simplicity belies a rich flavor profile that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes.
The thick and sticky texture of the sauce also plays a crucial role in coating the chicken evenly, elevating the overall dish to new heights.
General Tso’s Chicken
Very few dishes are as beloved as General Tso’s chicken, but what if you could bring this Chinese-American favorite into your own home? With a simple copycat recipe, you can replicate the same mouth-watering flavors found in popular restaurants right from your own kitchen. This recipe leverages pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili paste to create a dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is that it captures the essence of the original, ensuring that every bite tastes just as delicious as if you were dining at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Kung Pao Chicken
Knowing its rich history and flavors, kung pao chicken has become a beloved dish worldwide, originating from Szechuan province in China. Its signature blend of spicy, sweet, and savory notes makes it a staple in many Chinese households and restaurants alike. This classic stir-fry dish is made with succulent chicken, crunchy peanuts, vibrant bell peppers, and fiery chilies, all harmoniously combined in a luscious sweet-savory glaze that adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
Fortunately, cooking kung pao chicken at home is relatively effortless, thanks to its adaptable recipe, which allows for personalization to suit individual tastes.
Sesame Chicken
You can’t go wrong with the classic Chinese-American dish that is sesame chicken. The harmony of textures and flavors in this beloved meal is a big part of its enduring appeal. Crispy fried chicken pairs perfectly with a sweet-spicy-savory sauce, creating a taste sensation that’s both familiar and exciting. For an authentic experience, round out the dish by serving it with fried rice or lo mein – the combination is unbeatable.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Flavor combinations that work well together are often the foundation of truly exceptional dishes, and this Chinese classic is no exception. By marrying deep-fried battered chicken with a sweet and sour sauce, it creates an unforgettable meal that is both familiar and exciting. While ingredients may vary from recipe to recipe, the key to success lies in achieving a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce that perfectly balances flavors.
In my experience, I’ve tried many variations of this dish, but one particular recipe stands out as my absolute favorite. It uses a combination of pineapple juice, sugar, and ketchup among others, which together create a perfect blend of flavors that is both refreshing and savory.
Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Delivering on its promise of being a crowd-pleaser, Chinese chicken fried rice is a dish that never fails to impress. The harmonious blend of rice, succulent chicken, crunchy veggies, and a savory sauce creates a culinary experience that’s nothing short of delightful. It’s not only addictively delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare and customize according to one’s preferences.
Much like many recipes featured in this collection, the beauty of Chinese chicken fried rice lies in its versatility – you’re free to experiment with various meats and veggies to create your perfect combination. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or want to wow your guests at a dinner party, Chinese chicken fried rice is sure to be a hit at the table.
Chicken Pot Stickers
Lightly considering the variety of ingredients commonly used in potsticker fillings, such as ground beef, pork, or shrimp, it’s also worth noting that chicken can make a fantastic alternative. While the filling is undoubtedly an essential component of this dish, the true star of the show is the wrapper, particularly when it comes to achieving a desirable level of crispiness at the bottom.
Fortunately, the following recipe provides a comprehensive guide to perfecting the technique involved in making delicious potstickers.
Mongolian Chicken
Renowned for its rich flavors and exotic charm, Mongolian chicken is an exceptional dish that can instantly transport any diner to the remote landscapes of Mongolia. This stir-fry showcases chicken chunks that have been expertly marinated in a mixture of ginger and chilies, before being tossed in a luscious sweet soy glaze.
Each bite is filled with a delightfully balanced blend of sweet and spicy flavors, coupled with a captivating aroma that beautifully complements the subtle nuances of garlic and ginger.
Szechuan Chicken
While Szechuan chicken may be instantly recognizable due to its vibrant red hue and bold flavor profile, it’s the expertly balanced combination of ingredients that truly sets it apart. A key component of this dish is the inclusion of diced chicken, which is carefully cooked with aromatics such as garlic and ginger to create a rich foundation for the other flavors.
However, what elevates Szechuan chicken to new heights is undoubtedly the sauce, a masterful blend of Szechuan peppercorns, Chinese wine, vinegar, and soy sauce that adds a depth of sweet and spicy notes to the savory chicken.
Chicken Chop Suey
Looking closely at the origins and composition of chicken chop suey reveals an interesting paradox. The dish’s name ‘odds and ends’ is both literal and figurative, as it was created from the leftover ingredients in Cantonese cuisine. A combination of chicken, bell peppers, celery, onions, and a savory broth makes up this centuries-old recipe that has managed to capture the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide.
Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls
Offering a taste of China in the comfort of your own home has never been easier. With our copycat Panda Express chicken egg rolls recipe, you can indulge in a flavorful and satisfying meal without breaking the bank or traveling far from home. From the savory meat filling to the crunchy exterior, every bite is an authentic experience that will leave you craving for more.
And let’s not forget the crowning glory – the sweet chili sauce that adds a depth of flavor and heat that elevates these golden fried treats to new heights.
Chinese Cashew Chicken
Generally speaking, cashew chicken is a dish that has garnered immense popularity worldwide, originating from the Szechuan province in China. This mouth-watering delicacy consists of stir-fried chicken combined with an array of vegetables, crunchy cashews, aromatic spices, and an exceptional oyster-sesame-soy sauce blend. The umami flavors are so intense that they elevate the dish to new heights, while the crispness of the cashews adds a delightful textural element.
Needless to say, it’s a must-have with a side of fluffy, warm rice!
Chinese Chicken with Stir-Fry Vegetables
Zest up your mealtime with this quick and easy Chinese chicken stir-fry recipe, a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This mouth-watering combination of succulent chicken and an assortment of colorful vegetables is what makes it so incredibly popular. The bold flavors that bring it all together come from the sauce, which is carefully crafted using a blend of soy sauce, garlic, honey, and ginger – a harmonious balance of sweet and savory that will leave you wanting more.
For those who want to add an extra layer of satisfaction, simply toss in some favorite noodles to make this ‘stir-fry’ a complete and filling meal.
Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Just one spoonful of the steaming hot Chinese chicken noodle soup can instantly lift your spirits. The combination of tender noodles and rich, flavorful broth creates a sense of comfort that’s hard to find elsewhere. With each slurp, it’s like receiving a giant hug and having a shoulder to cry on – a truly therapeutic experience. Every bite of the savory chicken, bok choy, and carrots infuses warmth into both your heart and belly, making this dish a true epitome of comfort food without a doubt.
Chinese Chicken on a Stick
Taking centre stage are succulent skewers packed with tender cut-up chicken that has been marinated in a rich and savory sauce. This flavourful mixture is then carefully air fried to achieve a golden, crispy perfection that’s simply irresistible. From the first bite, it’s clear why these Chinese-inspired skewers have won over so many hearts – the harmonious balance of crisp texture and juicy meat is nothing short of exceptional.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
