Cantonese Chicken Dinner
A flavorful Cantonese chicken dish with tender pieces simmered in savory broth, fresh vegetables, and crunchy almonds, perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 fryer (about 3 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fresh ginger root, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. nappa or celery cabbage, sliced diagonally in 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced thickly ⓘ
- 1 c. bean sprouts ⓘ
- 4 oz. bamboo shoots, drained ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/8 c. water ⓘ
- 1/8 c. toasted almonds
- 2 oz. Chinese noodles (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole.
- Working in batches, brown the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
- Pour all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the casserole.
- Saute the sliced onion until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the casserole. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, and minced ginger root.
- Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the sliced cabbage and cook for 5 minutes longer.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots.
- Cook for 5 minutes longer.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the casserole.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds.
- Serve over Chinese noodles, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken pieces or substituting with Stir-Fry Low-Fat Chicken. If you don't have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work in a pinch, but use less. Swap nappa cabbage with bok choy or regular cabbage if needed. Adjust soy sauce to taste for a lower sodium option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cantonese Chicken Dinner over a bed of Chinese noodles for a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with Oriental Stir-Fried Vegetables or a side of steamed rice. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's completely cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cantonese Chicken Dinner contains roughly 569 calories, with 10g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1465mg per serving (64% 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 bone-in chicken instead of a fryer?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces will work well. Just ensure they are cooked through to a safe internal temperature. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as bone-in pieces may take longer to become tender.
What can I substitute for bamboo shoots?
If you can't find bamboo shoots, you can substitute with sliced water chestnuts for a similar crunch or omit them altogether if preferred. The dish will still be delicious without them.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Cantonese Chicken Dinner is perfect for meal prep. Divide into individual portions and store in containers for easy reheating during the week. It's a great way to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle each day.
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).