Indulge in the ultimate velvet chicken extravaganza: get the recipe and impress your guests

Embark on a culinary adventure with our delectable velvet chicken recipe. This tantalizing dish boasts tender chicken enveloped in a velvety sauce, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

A Brief History of Velvet Chicken

Velvet chicken, a prized delicacy in Sichuan cuisine, originated in the late 19th century. Its name derives from the velvety texture of the chicken, achieved through a unique marinating and cooking technique.

The Secret to Tenderness: Marinating

The key to velvet chicken‘s exceptional tenderness lies in its marinade. A blend of cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg whites coats the chicken, creating a protective layer that locks in moisture during cooking.

The Art of Velveting

Once marinated, the chicken undergoes a unique process known as “velveting.” This involves briefly blanching the chicken in hot oil, then immediately cooling it in cold water. This technique sears the exterior while keeping the interior succulent.

The Velvety Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors

The velvety sauce that adorns the chicken is a culinary masterpiece in itself. A combination of soy sauce, chicken broth, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and sesame oil creates a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.

Ingredients for Velvet Chicken

For the Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 egg white

For the Velveting:

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Velvety Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Step-by-Step Velvet Chicken Recipe

1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg white. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat the Oil:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to come 1/2 inch up the sides.
3. Velvet the Chicken:
Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken strips. Add them to the hot oil in batches and fry for 10-15 seconds, or until the outsides are lightly browned. Immediately remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Velvety Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, chicken broth, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Return the chicken strips to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir to coat evenly and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the velvet chicken immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Velvet Chicken

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best results.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal.
• Do not overcook the chicken during velveting. It should only take 10-15 seconds.
• Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to your taste preferences.
• Serve the velvet chicken warm for the best flavor and texture.

Variations on Velvet Chicken

• Spicy Velvet Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili oil or chili flakes to the velvety sauce.
• Sweet and Sour Velvet Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice and 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the velvety sauce.
• Orange Velvet Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1/4 cup of orange zest to the velvety sauce.

Health Benefits of Velvet Chicken

Velvet chicken is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

• Chicken is a lean protein source, rich in amino acids essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall health and well-being.
• Soy sauce is a good source of antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Conclusion: A Culinary Masterpiece

Indulge in the delectable flavors and tender texture of velvet chicken. This culinary masterpiece is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. Experiment with different variations to create your own unique and unforgettable dining experience.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between velvet chicken and regular chicken?
Velvet chicken is marinated in a cornstarch mixture and then blanched in hot oil, giving it a velvety texture that is more tender than regular chicken.
2. Can I use cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the sauce if desired.
3. How long can I store leftover velvet chicken?
Leftover velvet chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze velvet chicken?
Yes, you can freeze velvet chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. What are some good side dishes to serve with velvet chicken?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles are all excellent side dishes for velvet chicken.