Chinese cuisine brings together diverse flavors and techniques that turn simple ingredients into standout dishes, and Chinese chicken recipes are an excellent example of this. The recipe we’ll explore today focuses on tender, diced chicken pieces fried to perfection and coated in a sweet and garlicky brown sugar soy glaze. It’s quick, easy, and packs a powerful flavor punch—ideal for any weeknight meal or when you’re craving an authentic takeout-inspired dinner. Follow along with this guide to make a delicious homemade Chinese chicken recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chinese chicken recipe combines pantry staples with bold, easy-to-make sauce to create a dish that’s:

• Family-friendly and perfect for all taste preferences.
• Quick and easy, taking only about 30 minutes.
• Customizable—you can adjust the sweetness or spiciness to suit your palate.
• Versatile, so you can serve it over rice, noodles, or with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier texture)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tsp rice wine vinegar
• ½ tsp black pepper

Garnishes (optional)

• Thinly sliced scallions
• Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is broken down into three main steps: preparing and frying the chicken, making the sauce, and combining the two for the final dish.

Step 1: Prepare and Fry the Chicken

1. Dice the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces.
2. Season and Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, add the diced chicken along with cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated. 
3. Heat the Oil: In a skillet with deep sides, add enough vegetable oil to cover about ½ inch of the pan’s depth. Heat over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F.
4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in a single layer. To prevent overcrowding, cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Allow the chicken to cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked chicken to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Garlicky Brown Sugar Sauce

1. Start the Sauce: In a small saucepan, add the vegetable oil and garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients: Whisk in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the brown sugar fully dissolves and is combined with the other ingredients.
3. Simmer to Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Allow it to thicken until it reaches a syrupy consistency, which should take about 10 minutes. Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Clean the Skillet: Wipe out any excess oil from the skillet used to cook the chicken.
2. Add Chicken Back to Skillet: Return the fried chicken to the skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat every piece evenly.
4. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chinese Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Swap chicken breasts with thighs if you prefer a slightly richer, juicier texture.
• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you like a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar slightly or add more rice vinegar for a tangier profile.
• Fry in Batches for Crispy Texture: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying to ensure each piece of chicken gets a crispy coating.
• Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Keep an eye on the sauce to avoid burning. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or bubbling over.

FAQ

Can I Make This Recipe with Bone-In Chicken?

While this recipe works best with boneless chicken breast or thighs, you can also try it with bone-in pieces. However, cooking times will be longer, and it’s best to bake or pan-sear them separately before adding to the sauce.

Do I Have to Use Rice Wine Vinegar?

Rice wine vinegar adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in equal measure.

Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally before adding it to the chicken.

What Can I Serve with Chinese Chicken?

This Chinese chicken is delicious over steamed rice or noodles, paired with steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. Fried rice or stir-fried noodles also make a fantastic side.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Chinese Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey-Garlic Glaze: Replace some of the brown sugar with honey for a slightly different, naturally sweet flavor.
• Ginger and Orange Sauce: Add a tablespoon of grated ginger and a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a fresh, zesty flavor.

Customer Reviews and Community Praise

Here’s what others have said about this delicious Chinese chicken recipe:

• Jessica M.: “Made this for dinner last night, and my family loved it! I was surprised by how easy it was, and the flavor was perfect—not too sweet but really savory.”
• Tom L.: “We added a bit of sriracha to the sauce for some spice, and it was fantastic! Will definitely make this again.”
• Olivia P.: “I doubled the recipe for a family gathering, and it was a hit. The sauce is spot on, and I’m already planning to use it on salmon next time!”

Conclusion

Chinese chicken recipes like this one are fantastic for transforming basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish with minimal effort. The balance of sweet and savory, enhanced with garlic, soy, and a touch of rice wine vinegar, makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to a better-than-takeout meal at home, this recipe is a go-to for any Chinese food lover.

Ready to dive into more tasty dishes? Try this recipe alongside a side of stir-fried vegetables, egg rolls, or hot-and-sour soup. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll quickly see why this Chinese chicken recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation!