Delicious Velvet Chicken with Crunchy Vegetables

This delicious velvet chicken dish is a classic Chinese recipe known for its tender, succulent chicken pieces and crisp, colorful vegetables. The velvet cooking technique involves marinating the chicken and then blanching it in oil or water, resulting in an incredibly smooth and tender texture. Paired with a savory sauce and fresh veggies, this dish is perfect for a delightful dinner.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:
– 400g chicken breast, sliced thin
– 1 egg white
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the vegetables:
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
– 150g snow peas, trimmed
– 1 carrot, julienned
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

For the sauce:
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Velvet the chicken:
1. In a bowl, combine the egg white, cornstarch, rice wine, vegetable oil, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add the sliced chicken, ensuring each piece is coated well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a pot of boiling water (or oil, if preferred), blanch the marinated chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes until they turn opaque. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Prepare the vegetables:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to prevent burning.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.

3. Combine and cook:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, sugar, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Return the velveted chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the top and stir well to coat all ingredients.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

4. Serve:
1. Transfer the Velvet Chicken with Crunchy Vegetables to a serving dish.
2. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy this tender, flavorful Velvet Chicken with Crunchy Vegetables—an elegant and satisfying meal that is sure to impress!