Emperor’s Favorite Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Meet the Emperor’s Favorite Chicken, a dish that blends sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into a mouthwatering experience. This recipe is your ticket to a delightful mealtime adventure, perfect for impressing dinner guests or spicing up a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Emperor’s Favorite Chicken

Chicken thighs are the star of this dish, offering a juicy, flavorful base that holds up well to frying. The cornstarch and flour create a crispy coating that locks in moisture. Soy sauce adds a salty, umami depth, while rice vinegar provides a tangy contrast. Hoisin sauce brings in sweetness and complexity, and sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. Sugar balances the sauce, while garlic and ginger infuse it with warmth. Red pepper flakes introduce a hint of heat, and green onions offer a fresh, bright finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra crispy finish, double-fry the chicken by frying it twice, allowing it to rest in between.
  • Adjust the heat by altering the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
  • To keep the chicken warm and crispy while preparing the sauce, place it in a low oven (around 200°F).

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad would add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in terms of cooking time.
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?
You can use a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of honey as a makeshift substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

Emperor’s Favorite Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by taking your chicken thighs and cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Make sure they're roughly the same size for even cooking. Toss them in a bowl with 1/4 cup of cornstarch until each piece is well-coated. This step ensures the chicken gets a nice, crispy exterior once fried.

In a separate bowl, mix the remaining cornstarch with the flour. This combination will give the chicken a light, crispy coating. Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to fry the chicken pieces.

Coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch-flour mixture, shaking off any excess, and place them carefully in the hot oil. Fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels to catch any extra oil.

Now, grab another pan and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté them until they're fragrant, which should take just a minute or two.

Next, stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Let this mixture simmer until it thickens slightly. This is your flavorful sauce base.

Add the fried chicken to the pan with the sauce, tossing it until each piece is thoroughly coated. Finish by garnishing with green onions before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • A harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
  • Uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • Flexible enough for customization to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Combine the chicken with 1/4 cup of cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
2. In a separate bowl, mix remaining cornstarch and flour together.
3. Heat oil for frying in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Coat chicken pieces in the cornstarch-flour mixture and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. In another pan, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
6. Add soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to the pan, stirring well to combine.
7. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, then add the fried chicken to the pan.
8. Toss chicken in the sauce until evenly coated, then garnish with green onions before serving.

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