Prepare your taste buds with our Chicken in Rice Wine Sauce recipe for a culinary adventure. This dish is a symphony of flavours, combining succulent chicken thighs, the gentle warmth of ginger, the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, and the aromatic star anise, all harmonizing in a luscious rice wine sauce.
The secret to this dish’s depth of flavour lies in the slow simmering process. As the chicken cooks, it absorbs the essence of the sauce, resulting in a fork-tender, aromatic masterpiece. The dish perfectly balances savory and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions.
Chicken in Rice Wine Sauce pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, absorbing every drop of the flavorful sauce. If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, you’ll love this dish. It’s reminiscent of Chinese and Taiwanese culinary traditions, making it an excellent addition to your repertoire if you enjoy dishes like General Tso’s Chicken or Beef with Broccoli.
Chicken in Rice Wine Sauce
Chicken in Rice Wine Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 small Whole Chicken Thighs (skin removed)
- 1/4 inch piece of Ginger (grated or shredded)
- 1 clove of Garlic (finely sliced)
- 2 to 3 Spring Onions (for garnish)
- 1 small Star Anise
- 50 ml Chinese Rice Wine
- 3 tsp Soy Sauce
- 25 gms Brown Sugar
- 1 small Red Chili (finely chopped)
- Sesame Oil as required
Instructions
- Heat a little oil in a large pan.
- Add the chicken and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly golden.
- Add ginger, garlic, spring onions, and star anise. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, and 1/3 cup of water.
- Reduce the flame, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with finely chopped red chilli.
- Spoon over any remaining sauce.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in chicken thighs add more flavour, you can use boneless thighs. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What can I substitute for Chinese Rice Wine?
If you don’t have Chinese Rice Wine, you can use dry sherry or a mix of apple juice and white vinegar as a substitute.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a mild kick from the red chilli garnish, but it’s not overly spicy. Adjust the amount of chilli according to your heat preference.
What sides go well with Chicken in Rice Wine Sauce?
Steamed jasmine rice is the perfect side, but it also pairs nicely with steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. Consider serving it with Vegetable Fried Rice or Garlic Noodles for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can make it ahead and reheat it gently on the stove. The flavours deepen after resting, making it even more delicious the next day.
Note: image is for illustration purposes only and not that of the actual recipe.
