In the chestnut season of autumn, a meal featuring Chestnut Braised Chicken is a must-try. The chestnuts add a delightful texture, combining a chewy and soft consistency with a hint of sweetness. The chicken is savory and flavorful, making it a favorite among children. This nutritious recipe is perfect for the season.
Ingredients:
- Chestnuts: 200g
- Chicken thighs: 1 piece
- Scallion, ginger, garlic: as needed
- Light soy sauce: 1 ladle
- Yellow bean paste: 1 tablespoon
- Dark soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- White pepper powder: 1 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Purchase fresh chestnuts. Make a small incision at the bottom of each chestnut and boil them in water. Peel the chestnuts while they are still hot, as it’s easier. If the water cools, the furry layer on the chestnuts becomes difficult to remove. If you want to save time, check if pre-peeled chestnuts are available at the market. It might be a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it for the convenience.
- It’s crucial to choose the right chestnuts to make this dish delicious. Let’s put some effort into cooking for our loved ones!
- Cut ginger and garlic into small pieces.
- Cut the chicken thighs into pieces. Boil water with a bit of Sichuan peppercorn, cooking wine, and ginger slices. Once the water boils, remove the chicken and rinse it under running water to get rid of any impurities. This step helps remove any unwanted odor.
- Heat oil in a pan, add white rock sugar, and stir-fry until it turns a dark brown color.
- Add ginger, garlic, chicken pieces, and chestnuts to the pan. Quickly stir-fry and then sauté for a while. Fry the chestnuts until both sides turn golden. This prevents the chestnuts from becoming mushy and breaking apart in the soup during stewing.
- Add a bit of yellow bean paste, approximately one ladle.
- Add light soy sauce and half a ladle of oyster sauce using a spatula.
- Add a teaspoon of white pepper powder to eliminate any fishy smell.
- Add a bit of dark soy sauce for color.
- After stir-frying, pour in enough hot water to cover the ingredients. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for half an hour.
- After half an hour, check if the chestnuts are tender. Then turn up the heat to reduce the broth until it thickens and produces large bubbles. Once done, turn off the heat. No additional salt is needed, as the dish is sufficiently seasoned. Sprinkle some chopped scallions for extra fragrance.
- Serve and enjoy this heartwarming Chestnut Braised Chicken!
Tip: Make sure to use fresh chestnuts for the best flavor; otherwise, the dish might have an undesirable taste.
