Chinese Chicken Spaghetti

 

Chinese Chicken Spaghetti

When it comes to fusion cuisine, few dishes capture the essence of East-meets-West as deliciously as Chinese Chicken Spaghetti. This recipe combines the savory flavors of Chinese-inspired sauces with the comforting texture of Italian pasta, creating a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, flavorful sauce, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs (cut into thin strips)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for slurry)

For the Pasta and Vegetables:

• 300g spaghetti (or noodles of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced thinly, any color)
• 1 medium carrot (julienned)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup snap peas (optional)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1.     In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.

2.     Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.

3.     Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1.     In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chicken broth.

2.     Stir well to combine, ensuring the honey or sugar dissolves fully.

3.     Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

1.     Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2.     Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

3.     Drain the spaghetti and toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

1.     Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2.     Add the marinated chicken strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they are fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1.     In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.

2.     Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3.     Toss in the onions, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas.

4.     Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, keeping them crisp and vibrant in color.

Step 6: Combine the Sauce

1.     Give the prepared sauce another stirs and pour it over the vegetables.

2.     Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

3.     Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce coats the vegetables evenly.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish

1.     Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce.

2.     Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated with sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1.     Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for garnish.

2.     Serve hot and enjoy your Chinese Chicken Spaghetti!

Tips for Success

1.     Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.

2.     Spice Level: Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.

3.     Gluten-Free Option: Substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.

4.     Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for a different twist.

5.     Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.
• Versatile: The ingredients can be easily customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavors appeals to both kids and adults.