Asian > Chinese > Hainan

Wenchang Chicken with Peanuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups water

Special equipment needed:
- Large wok or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a wok or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions to the wok and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

3. Add the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, salt, and Sichuan peppercorns to the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute.

4. Add the raw peanuts to the wok and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

5. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the peanuts are tender.

6. Remove the chicken and peanuts from the wok with a strainer and transfer to a serving dish.

7. Serve hot with steamed rice.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for stir-frying, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat per serving: 20g
Protein per serving: 30g
Carbohydrates per serving: 10g
Fiber per serving: 3g
Sugar per serving: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks.
- Raw peanuts can be substituted with roasted peanuts.

Variations:
- Add sliced red bell peppers or carrots for extra color and flavor.
- Use cashews instead of peanuts for a different texture.

Tips and tricks:
- To make the chicken pieces more tender, marinate them in soy sauce and Shaoxing wine for at least 30 minutes before stir-frying.
- Use a wok or deep skillet with a lid to keep the chicken and peanuts moist while simmering.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Wenchang Chicken with Peanuts in a large serving dish with a garnish of sliced green onions.

Garnishes:
Sliced green onions

Pairings:
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables

Suggested side dishes:
Stir-fried bok choy, garlic green beans, sesame noodles

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is not cooked through after simmering, add more water and continue simmering until fully cooked.
- If the sauce is too salty, add more water to dilute it.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
- Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw chicken.

Food history:
Wenchang Chicken is a famous dish from Wenchang, a city in Hainan province, China. It is known for its tender and flavorful chicken, which is traditionally served with a dipping sauce made from ginger, garlic, and vinegar.

Flavor profiles:
Salty, sweet, savory, nutty

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Nutty, Tangy, Aromatic