San Francisco Chicken
San Francisco Chicken features tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory soy-based sauce with garlic and red pepper, offering a flavorful, quick dish perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chicken on both sides in oil over medium heat.
- Remove chicken and add garlic to the skillet.
- Sauté garlic for a minute.
- Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper.
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour sauce over it.
- Cover tightly and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken to a serving platter.
- Stir in cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar slightly. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter option, or use low-sodium soy sauce to make it healthier. Adding a splash of rice vinegar can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the San Francisco Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chinese Vegetables With Rice or Spicy Sesame Noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat over low until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of San Francisco Chicken contains roughly 1857 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 201g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% 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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts; however, the skin will not become crispy in this cooking method. If you prefer crispy skin, consider pan-searing the chicken first, then adding the sauce.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. Both will provide a similar umami flavor without the gluten.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more crushed red pepper or include sliced fresh chilies in the sauce. You can also serve the chicken with a side of chili paste or hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).