Simmered Chinese Chicken
A savory Chinese-inspired simmered chicken dish with soy, brown sugar, and a hint of red pepper flakes, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet with a lid.
- Brown the chicken on all sides; remove excess fat from the pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, catsup, sherry or apple juice, red pepper flakes, crushed garlic, and sliced green onion.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the Dutch oven.
- Cover tightly and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove the chicken to a platter and keep warm in a 250°F oven.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute honey for brown sugar if desired, or use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. If you prefer less heat, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables, and you can even use leftover chicken in a Homemade Chicken Vegetable Egg Drop Soup for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the simmered chicken over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and garnish with additional sliced green onions for freshness. This dish is great alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crisp salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Egg Drop Soup(Light, Sherry-Flavored Soup With The Tang Of Scallion Rounds) for a comforting experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist, or microwave it on a low setting until warmed through. Avoid reheating at high temperatures to prevent drying out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simmered Chinese Chicken contains roughly 236 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2034mg per serving (88% 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
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
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).