Canton Chicken
Canton Chicken features tender chicken strips stir-fried with fresh vegetables and a savory soy-garlic sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful Chinese-inspired meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken in a bowl.
- Combine 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and soy sauce; add minced garlic.
- Pour over chicken, mixing to coat well.
- Let stand for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet; add chicken and stir-fry over high heat for 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from skillet.
- Heat remaining oil in the same skillet; add sliced onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add 3/4 cup water and the frozen vegetables to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine remaining water, cornstarch, soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and vinegar.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet, add the cooked chicken, and cook while stirring until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken for longer than 15 minutes. You can substitute the boneless chicken breast with boneless thighs for a juicier result. If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu works well here. Adjust the soy sauce based on your taste preference or dietary needs, using low-sodium alternatives if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Canton Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Green Beans Mandarin as a side dish. For a well-rounded dinner, consider serving it alongside a light soup like Egg White Drop Soup, which complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Canton Chicken contains roughly 793 calories, with 7g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1365mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the dish's flavor and texture. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as fresh veggies may require a shorter time to cook to maintain their crunch.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a soy sauce alternative, consider using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free choice. Both will impart a similar umami flavor to your dish.
Can I add more spices to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with additional spices like red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor. Just remember to balance the spices with the existing ingredients to maintain harmony in taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).