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Silky Tender Velvet Chicken

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A quick and easy homemade recipe for tender, silky chicken using a secret marinate with baking soda and cornstarch, perfect for weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken into thin, uniform strips against the grain (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with baking soda and cornstarch. Toss well to coat and let sit for 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse the chicken quickly under cold water to remove excess baking soda, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
  4. Prepare the sauce by mixing soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and white pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (1-2 minutes).
  6. Add minced garlic and stir-fry quickly for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add chicken in a single layer and stir gently and continuously for 3-4 minutes until opaque and cooked through but still juicy.
  8. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, toss gently to coat, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  9. Turn off heat, drizzle sesame oil over the chicken, toss lightly, and garnish with sliced green onions.
  10. Serve immediately for best silky, tender texture.

Notes

Rinse chicken well after marinating to avoid bitter taste from baking soda. Cook in batches if pan is crowded to maintain tender texture. Add a splash of water if chicken starts to clump during stir-frying. Use thighs for juicier results. Substitute tamari for soy sauce for gluten-free version and arrowroot powder for cornstarch for paleo-friendly option.

Nutrition

Keywords: velvet chicken, tender chicken recipe, stir-fry chicken, baking soda chicken, easy chicken recipe, silky chicken, Chinese chicken recipe

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/silky-tender-velvet-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-secret-to-perfect-flavor/