Jade Empress Chicken
Jade Empress Chicken features tender chicken cubes in a savory pineapple and vegetable stir-fry, blending sweet, tangy, and umami flavors perfect for a flavorful, colorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed ⓘ
- 2 small boneless chicken breast halves, skinned and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup defatted chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped onions
- 1 large green pepper, cut into chunks ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans unsweetened pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the sherry, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Marinate the chicken cubes in this mixture in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- In a large skillet, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add the sliced celery, chopped onions, and green pepper, and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken is opaque, about 2 minutes.
- Drain the pineapple chunks, reserve the juice, and cut the chunks into thirds, setting them aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you don’t have dry sherry, substitute with white wine or chicken broth. Arrowroot can be replaced with cornstarch for thickening. Adjust the soy sauce to your taste; use low-sodium options if you're watching salt intake. This dish is versatile, allowing you to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, similar to Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jade Empress Chicken over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a colorful plate. It pairs beautifully with 30 Minute Fried Rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions for freshness. Consider serving with a light cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jade Empress Chicken contains roughly 496 calories, with 11g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1970mg per serving (86% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it's fully thawed before marinating and cooking. This will help maintain its texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
What can I substitute for mushrooms in this dish?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with sliced zucchini or bell peppers. These alternatives will provide a different texture and flavor while still complementing the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Jade Empress Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the dish in advance, portion it out, and store it in the fridge or freezer. Reheat as needed for quick and nutritious meals throughout the week.
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).