Asian Chicken

Chicken in an oriental sauce served on a bed of rice is a dish that exemplifies the art of balancing flavours. It brings together savoury, sweet, and tangy elements, making it a delightful option for those who enjoy the distinct tastes found in Asian-inspired cuisine. This dish, while simple in ingredients, offers a complex depth of flavour that makes it feel more elaborate than it is to prepare.

At the heart of this dish is the oriental sauce, a blend that includes soy sauce, hoisin, honey and a touch of ginger and garlic. These key ingredients create a rich, umami-packed base, with hoisin lending sweetness and depth, while ginger and garlic provide a fragrant, aromatic foundation. The addition of sesame oil brings a subtle nuttiness, elevating the sauce with its unique richness. Together, these ingredients create a thick, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the tender chicken and makes the dish look mouth watering.

The chicken is stir fried until golden, is cooked so that it absorbs the sauce, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully. It remains juicy and full of flavour, providing a satisfying contrast to the light, fragrant bed of rice it is served on. The rice, normally jasmine or another long-grain variety, is soft and fluffy, absorbing the sauce without becoming too heavy, which helps balance the dish.

What makes this dish especially appealing is its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a meal when you’re short on time but craving something packed with flavour. Additionally, it’s easy to customise — the level of sweetness can be adjusted by altering the amount of honey, and a touch of chilli or sriracha can be added for those who prefer a hint of spice.

The garnishes, such as spring onions and sesame seeds, not only add texture but also give the dish a final touch of freshness and visual appeal. Chicken in oriental sauce, when served on a bed of rice, combines comfort with complexity, making it a perfect option for both casual and more special dining occasions. Simple but so tasty.

Asian Chicken

This recipe for Asian Chicken is served on a bed of rice offering a delightful balance of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours. Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil form the backbone of the sauce, while hoisin and honey add a rich depth. The tender chicken is coated in this thick, dark sauce, and served over fluffy jasmine rice, making it an ideal meal for a comforting dinner that is both flavourful and satisfying.

4.85 from 13 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese

Keyword: Chicken, Chillies, Jasmin Rice, Rice, Spice, Vegetables

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 551kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 500 g chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips
• 3 tbsp soy sauce light
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp ginger grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp corn starch
• 2 tbsp water to mix with corn starch
• 1 tsp chilli flakes or sriracha
• 2 medium spring onions scallion/sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

For the Rice:

• 300 g jasmine rice
• 600 ml water
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

• Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear. Place the rice and water into a medium saucepan with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered until ready to serve.
  300 g jasmine rice, 600 ml water, 1 pinch salt
• While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2 tbsp sesame oil, 500 g chicken breast
• In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, oyster sauce (if using), and rice vinegar. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp ginger, 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Stir the corn starch slurry into the sauce and simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  1 tsp corn starch, 2 tbsp water
• If you like some heat, add chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha at this point. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it thoroughly in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
  1 tsp chilli flakes
• Fluff the cooked jasmine rice and divide it between four plates. Top each serving of rice with the chicken in oriental sauce. Garnish with sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  2 medium spring onions, 1 tsp sesame seeds

Notes

Notes:

– For extra depth, you can marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
– You can substitute chicken with tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
– Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.

This dish pairs well with steamed greens like bok choy or a light cucumber salad. Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavours in this easy, yet sophisticated meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 551kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1183mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 261IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg