Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Chicken in Spicy Brown Sauce is not just a meal—it's a tantalizing journey of bold flavors and mouth-watering aromas that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Asia. With just 20 minutes between you and a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe promises to be your new go-to weeknight sensation that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by slicing the chicken breast into thin, uniform strips, approximately 1/2 inch wide. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and better sauce adherence.
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sauce, soy sauce, and chili paste to create the spicy sauce. Whisk together until well combined.
- Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and reduce heat to medium.
- Simmer the chicken in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to finish cooking completely.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb additional flavor.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips
- Dry Chicken is Key: Always pat your chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and better sauce absorption.
- High Heat, Quick Cook: Use medium-high heat to achieve that restaurant-style sear without overcooking the chicken.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the chili paste quantity to control the spice level—start with less and add more if you prefer extra heat.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking to enhance flavor penetration.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds can elevate the dish's visual appeal and add a fresh flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
