Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a zesty, fragrant sauce. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy meal at home. The poaching method ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, while the ginger scallion sauce adds a vibrant kick that elevates the dish. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of ginger and scallions creates a fresh, aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Healthy Option: With lean chicken breasts and minimal oil, this dish is nutritious without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile Serving: Serve it over rice, with vegetables, or even in a salad for different meals throughout the week.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ginger scallion sauce make this dish visually appealing enough for special occasions.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious meal.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pot
- Small saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Pot: Essential for poaching the chicken evenly while keeping it moist.
- Small saucepan: Perfect for making the ginger scallion sauce quickly without fuss.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise slicing of ingredients for optimal flavor release.
Ingredients
To create this delightful Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 cups water
For the Ginger Scallion Sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 inch piece of ginger, finely minced
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Step 1: Poach the Chicken
In a pot, add the water, salt, sliced ginger, and chicken breasts.
1. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover.
3. Poach the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.
4. Remove from pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Make the Ginger Scallion Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
1. Add minced ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Serve Your Dish
Slice the poached chicken into pieces.
1. Arrange on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the ginger scallion sauce over the chicken.
3. Enjoy with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal!
How to Serve Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the sliced poached chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a comforting and filling dish.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Pair the chicken with colorful stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for added nutrition and crunch.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use fresh lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with chicken and drizzled with ginger scallion sauce for a light and refreshing option.
As Part of a Noodle Bowl
- Combine the poached chicken with soba or rice noodles, topped with ginger scallion sauce, for a delicious noodle bowl.
Alongside Pickled Vegetables
- Add a side of pickled cucumbers or radishes to provide a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
With Homemade Dumplings
- Enjoy the poached chicken as part of a meal featuring homemade dumplings for an authentic Asian dining experience.
How to Perfect Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Perfecting your poached chicken can elevate this dish significantly. Here are some tips to ensure your poached chicken turns out tender and flavorful.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and green onions enhance the flavor profile of both the chicken and sauce.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking by checking the chicken at around 15 minutes; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain moisture, making it juicier when sliced.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your ginger scallion sauce before serving; adjust salt or soy sauce based on preference.
- Experiment with Broth: For added depth, consider using chicken broth instead of water during poaching.
- Garnish Creatively: Finish your dish with sesame seeds or additional chopped green onions for an appealing presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
To complement your Poached Chinese Chicken, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice pairs perfectly, absorbing all the delicious juices from the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds a vibrant green element and a hint of garlic flavor.
- Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles provide a nutty contrast that balances well with the warm chicken.
- Egg Fried Rice: A classic side that brings together leftover rice, eggs, and peas for extra heartiness.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy rolls filled with vegetables offer texture that complements the tender chicken.
- Chinese Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and chili oil adds brightness to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect.
- Ignoring the water temperature: Starting with cold water can result in uneven cooking. Always begin with water at room temperature or slightly warmed.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Use a timer and check for doneness at 15 minutes.
- Not seasoning enough: Skipping salt in the poaching liquid can lead to bland chicken. Always season the water adequately.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately will cause juices to escape. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh ginger and scallions make a big difference in flavor. Don’t compromise on quality when sourcing your ingredients.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store poached chicken in an airtight container.
- It lasts for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the Ginger Scallion Sauce separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
- Place chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Ensure all air is removed from bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover chicken with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover lightly, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of broth or water, and warm chicken for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to poach Chinese chicken?
Poaching takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Can I make ginger scallion sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
What can I serve with Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! Poached chicken is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy choice.
Final Thoughts
Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce is not just flavorful; it’s also versatile and easy to customize. You can add different herbs or spices according to your preference. Try this comforting dish today and impress your family with its delightful taste!
Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce. This delightful dish features tender, succulent chicken breasts poached to perfection and drizzled with a fragrant ginger scallion sauce that adds a zesty kick. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe brings together fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a meal that is both healthy and satisfying. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside vibrant stir-fried vegetables for a complete dining experience that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 inch piece of ginger, finely minced
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a pot, combine water, salt, sliced ginger, and chicken breasts. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and poach for 15-20 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from pot and let rest before slicing.
- In a small saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt; remove from heat.
- Slice poached chicken and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with ginger scallion sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Leave a Comment