Easy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Recipe Overview
Overview
Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the robust flavors of garlic and soy sauce, creating a savory experience that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. The recipe starts with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, which are marinated in a mixture of salt, pepper, vinegar, and cornstarch. This not only adds flavor but also helps achieve a crispy texture when fried.
The star of the dish is undoubtedly the garlic. Mincing several cloves releases their aromatic oils, which infuse the sauce with a rich flavor. The addition of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness, making it a well-rounded dish. As the chicken cooks, it absorbs these flavors, resulting in a deliciously sticky coating.
One of the clever techniques in this recipe is frying the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. This ensures that each piece gets beautifully golden and crispy without steaming. Once the chicken is cooked, it is tossed in the garlic sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors.
This Garlic Chicken is perfect served over hot rice and accompanied by steamed vegetables, making it a complete meal that is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Cut 450g/1 lb boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Add 1/2 tsp salt, black pepper, vinegar, and 2 tbsp cornstarch/cornflour to the chicken.
Tip: Layer chicken pieces without crowding the pan to ensure they turn crisp.
Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes.
Mince 6-8 cloves of garlic.
Mix 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp red chilli flakes, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tsp rice/white vinegar.
On medium-high flame, layer chicken pieces in the pan.
Tip: Sauté minced garlic on low flame to prevent burning.
Fry until golden brown and almost cooked through, then set aside.
Reduce flame to low and sauté minced garlic until golden.
Pour in the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
Pour in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed in 1/2 cup water and simmer until thick.
Tip: Taste and adjust the sauce as needed for the best flavor.
Add the fried chicken and mix well.
Simmer chicken in garlic sauce for 2 minutes or until cooked through.
Garnish with scallions/spring onions.
Serve garlic chicken with hot rice and veggies/greens for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Cornstarch is used to create a crispy coating on the chicken.
- •Mincing garlic releases its essential oils, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- •Simmering the sauce thickens it, allowing it to cling to the chicken better.
- •Using a high flame helps to sear the chicken, locking in moisture.
