Tai Chen Chicken is a vibrant and aromatic stir-fry dish brings together tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tantalizing sauce that coats everything in a savory, slightly sweet glaze. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp salad.
What is Tai Chen Chicken?
Its mainly originated from Sichuan cuisine and is very similar to schezwan chicken, this dish consists of tender, crispy chicken tossed in a rich, spicy sauce made of hoisin, chilies, and the sweetness of bell peppers and celery. It’s a party in your mouth, and trust me, the invitation is non-negotiable.
Variations of Tai Chen Chicken
- Tai Chen Chicken with Cashews: For added texture and richness, stir in some roasted cashews just before serving. The nuts will provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.
- Vegetarian Tai Chen: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Ensure that the tofu is pressed and well-drained to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Spicy Tai Chen Chicken: If you’re a fan of heat, ramp up the spice level by adding more fresh chilies, chili paste, or chili oil to the sauce.
- Tai Chen Chicken with Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple to the dish for a sweet and tropical twist that complements the savory sauce.
- Tai Chen Chicken Noodles: Instead of serving with rice, toss your Tai Chen Chicken with some cooked noodles for a heartier meal. The sauce will coat the noodles beautifully, creating a deliciously satisfying dish.
How to Serve Tai Chen Chicken
Tai Chen Chicken can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference:
As a Wrap: For a fun twist, use Tai Chen Chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or soft tortillas for a fresh, hand-held meal.
With Steamed Rice: The traditional and most common way to serve Tai Chen Chicken is with a bowl of steamed white or brown rice. The rice helps absorb the flavorful sauce, creating a balanced and hearty meal.
With Noodles: If you want to make the dish even more filling, serve Tai Chen Chicken with stir-fried or steamed noodles. The chicken and sauce will infuse the noodles with flavor.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken over stir-fried vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
How to Store Tai Chen Chicken
Tai Chen Chicken stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for leftovers. Here’s how to properly store it:
- In the Refrigerator: After the dish has cooled, place the leftover Tai Chen Chicken in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to store it longer, Tai Chen Chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Reheating: When reheating Tai Chen Chicken, do so gently over medium heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Tai Chen Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. This will allow the chicken to soak up the flavors, making the dish even more delicious. Simply cook the chicken and vegetables just before serving.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. You can use boneless, skinless thighs for a similar texture.
3. How do I make Tai Chen Chicken less spicy?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of fresh chilies or chili paste in the recipe. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies to lessen the heat.
4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey or sugar?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Each will provide a different level of sweetness, so feel free to adjust to your taste.
5. Can I add other vegetables to Tai Chen Chicken?
Yes, Tai Chen Chicken is highly customizable. You can add a variety of vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, or bok choy to the dish for added flavor and nutrients.
Tai Chen Chicken
Tai Chen Chicken is a vibrant and aromatic stir-fry dish brings together tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tantalizing sauce that coats everything in a savory, slightly sweet glaze. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 2 red bell peppers, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Franks red hot sauce)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a wok over high heat, add oil. Once hot, add the chicken and stir fry for 5-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add red bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, add chicken broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, hoisin sauce, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
- Add the chicken back to the wok, then add the sauce. Give it a good mix until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot over noodles or steamed rice.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 372Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 148mgSodium 1302mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 29g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Tai Chen Chicken is a delicious, aromatic stir-fry dish that brings together the bold flavors of sweet, savory, and spicy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress. With its versatility and easy preparation, it’s a great addition to any weeknight dinner rotation. You can experiment with different variations, serve it in numerous ways, and store leftovers for a quick meal the next day. Try Tai Chen Chicken today and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
