Shanghai Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Shanghai Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the bold tastes of Chinese cuisine right to your dinner table. This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet, savory sauce that is both tangy and aromatic. The balance of flavors, combined with a bit of heat and umami, makes Shanghai Chicken an unforgettable recipe. It’s a perfect dish for a family meal, dinner party, or even a weeknight treat.

What makes this recipe stand out is the signature Shanghai sauce, which combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sugar. This sauce has the right mix of sweetness, acidity, and richness, which is absorbed by the chicken to create a dish that’s perfectly balanced and packed with flavor. Served over steamed rice and garnished with fresh vegetables or herbs, Shanghai Chicken is both satisfying and comforting.

In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making Shanghai Chicken, providing tips for perfecting the dish, along with variations and serving suggestions that will make this recipe your new go-to for an amazing meal.

Why You’ll Love Shanghai Chicken

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The sweet and savory sauce is the star of this dish. It blends soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar into a mouthwatering combination that enhances the flavor of the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: The chicken in Shanghai Chicken is marinated to ensure it stays tender and absorbs the flavor of the sauce. Stir-frying the chicken ensures it remains juicy on the inside while developing a crispy outer layer that adds texture.
• Versatile: Shanghai Chicken is versatile and can be adjusted to your preferences. You can modify the level of heat, add more vegetables, or pair it with different sides to create a complete meal.
• Quick and Easy: This dish is quick to make, especially on busy weeknights, making it a perfect recipe for beginners or those who want a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Elevates Your Chinese Takeout Experience: If you enjoy Chinese takeout, this homemade version of Shanghai Chicken will surely become your favorite. It’s better than anything you’ll find at a restaurant, with the added benefit of using fresh ingredients and customizing it to your liking.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the size of the chicken portions and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Shanghai Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

To begin making Shanghai Chicken, start by marinating the chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and helps to tenderize the meat. The cornstarch will also help create a crispy texture when the chicken is fried.

If you’re short on time, you can skip the marination step, but letting it sit for a few minutes will enhance the flavor and texture.

2. Prepare the Shanghai Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the flavorful Shanghai sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce (if using), five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

Once the sauce is mixed, set it aside and prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stirring until smooth. This will be used later to thicken the sauce.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The cornstarch coating on the chicken will help it crisp up beautifully on the outside while keeping it juicy inside.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. If you’re cooking in batches, remove any excess oil from the pan before cooking the next batch to avoid greasy chicken.

4. Prepare the Sauce and Combine

After all the chicken is cooked, remove any excess oil from the skillet and pour the prepared Shanghai sauce into the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Once the sauce begins to bubble, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy, slightly sticky consistency.

This process should only take about 2-3 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated. Let the chicken simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together, and the chicken absorbs the sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is well-coated in the Shanghai sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves for added color and flavor.

Shanghai Chicken is typically served with steamed white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas, for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy the dish while it’s hot, and savor the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

Tips for Perfect Shanghai Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for Tenderness: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay tender and juicy even when stir-fried. If you prefer white meat, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but the texture might not be as moist.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you add too many pieces at once, the chicken will steam rather than fry, preventing it from getting crispy. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter Shanghai Chicken, you can increase the sugar or hoisin sauce. On the other hand, if you like a more savory version, you can reduce the sugar and add extra soy sauce or oyster sauce.
• Customize the Heat Level: The chili flakes in the Shanghai sauce add a nice touch of heat, but feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder version, simply omit the chili flakes or reduce the amount. For more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a sliced fresh chili.
• Serve with Steamed Rice: Shanghai Chicken is best served over a bed of steamed white rice, which helps balance the rich and flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Add Vegetables: To add more texture and nutrients to the dish, you can stir in some vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or snap peas, toward the end of the cooking process. This will add crunch and freshness to the dish while complementing the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.

Variations of Shanghai Chicken

• Shanghai Chicken with Cashews: For an added crunch and flavor, toss in some roasted cashews at the end of cooking. The cashews provide a nutty contrast to the sweet sauce and are a delicious addition.
• Spicy Shanghai Chicken: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a couple of sliced fresh red chilies to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also add a spoonful of chili paste or chili oil for more depth of heat.
• Shanghai Chicken with Vegetables: For a more complete meal, stir in some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. The vegetables will soak up the sauce and add freshness to the dish.
• Crispy Shanghai Chicken: For an extra crispy version of Shanghai Chicken, coat the chicken pieces in a light batter or cornmeal before frying. This will create a crunchy exterior that contrasts with the tender meat inside.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you have leftovers, Shanghai Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened during storage.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and combine it with the sauce for a quick and easy meal.

For longer storage, you can freeze Shanghai Chicken. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up on the stovetop.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Shanghai Chicken

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, steamed white rice is the perfect base for Shanghai Chicken. It soaks up the rich sauce and makes for a complete meal.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve the Shanghai Chicken alongside stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, bell peppers, or broccoli, for a colorful and healthy addition to your meal.
• Noodles: For a heartier option, serve the chicken with some stir-fried noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein. The noodles will soak up the sauce, making them extra flavorful.
• Spring Rolls: Serve Shanghai Chicken with crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or pork for a delicious appetizer or side dish.

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Conclusion

Shanghai Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. With tender chicken coated in a flavorful sauce and served with rice, it’s a meal that will satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, Shanghai Chicken is a perfect example of Chinese comfort food at its finest. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family—they’re sure to be impressed by the delicious flavors and ease of making this homemade dish.