Everyone loves a good Chinese chicken dish. There are so many to choose from and each have their unique flavor. If you are looking for savory, sweet, sour, or spicy there is a dish that will suit your desire. While it might be tempting to always order your favorite Chinese dishes from a local restaurant, many of the classic Chinese chicken dishes are surprisingly easy to make at home. By recreating them yourself, you can control the quality of ingredients, the flavors and the portion size. Best of all you can save a little money and have the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. In today’s blog I will explore seven popular Chinese chicken dishes that are not only delicious but also convenient and straightforward to prepare in your own kitchen.
1. General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is probably the most popular Chinese Chicken Dish. It is a favorite in many households and my household is no exception. It is known for its crispy chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. One of the reasons this dish is easy to make at home is that it relies on a few simple ingredients, many of which are pantry staples like soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. This dish allows you to replicate the rich flavors of takeout while having full control over the spiciness and sweetness, making it both convenient and satisfying to prepare.
2. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is one of the most tasty and quickest one pan meals you can prepare. Made with chicken, leftover rice, veggies and egg, it is perfect for a easy weeknight meal. Simply combine all of your ingredients and enjoy. This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is highly customizable—feel free to throw in any vegetables you have on hand, use pre-cooked chicken, and adjust the seasonings to match your taste. It’s a great way to minimize food waste by using leftovers creatively.
3. Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is another takeout classic that is loved by everyone. The key to its convenience is the straightforward sauce, which combines orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar to create a vibrant, citrusy glaze. The chicken is typically battered and fried, but even if you’re new to frying, the process is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Orange Chicken’s flavor profile is universally appealing, making it a hit with both kids and adults, and the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.
4. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken is loved for its perfectly balanced flavors and colorful presentation. What makes this dish easy to prepare at home is its use of basic ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and sugar to create a sauce that is both tangy and sweet. The chicken can be quickly fried or baked, and the addition of bell peppers and pineapple chunks adds both texture and flavor without complicating the cooking process. This dish is a great option for when you want something vibrant and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
5. Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken, despite its name, is a dish rooted in Chinese-American cuisine. It’s a sweet and incredibly flavorful. The sauce, which includes soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon whiskey, comes together quickly and doesn’t require any complex techniques. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a rich, sweet sauce and tender, juicy chicken.
6. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy, flavorful stir-fry that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It is both sweet and savory. It also has just enough spicy kick to excite your taste buds. This Chinese chicken dish is great for any night of the week and you won’t be disappointed.
7. Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is a noodle dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Chow Mein noodles are typically pre-cooked or quick-cooking, which means the dish comes together in no time. The sauce is a simple mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, which can be adjusted to taste. Chicken Chow Mein is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic option for a quick, hearty meal.
Conclusion
Making these classic Chinese chicken dishes at home is easier than you might think. With a few basic ingredients and simple techniques, you can recreate your favorite takeout dishes in your own kitchen. Not only does this allow you to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home, but it also gives you the freedom to experiment with flavors, customize your dishes, and enjoy the process of cooking. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or savory, these dishes are all within your reach—delicious, convenient, and satisfying in every way.
