The enticing aroma of ginger and soy sauce fills my kitchen as I prepare my version of Quick & Easy Red Braised Chicken (Hongshao Ji). This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, embodying the comforting flavors of Chinese cuisine in a quick and accessible way. With tender chicken thighs bathed in a glossy, rich sauce, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary delight that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
In a world where time often feels scarce and fast food looms large, this quick recipe invites you to savor the pleasure of home-cooked meals. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it’s also a stunning centerpiece that will impress family and friends alike. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken simmering gently, absorbing the warm notes of scallion and the subtle sweetness of rock sugar—the perfect remedy for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
Join me as we dive into making this dish a staple in your kitchen. Let’s elevate our everyday meals without breaking a sweat!
Why is Red Braised Chicken a Must-Try?
Simplicity is key: This recipe uses just a handful of accessible ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Unmatched Flavor: The ginger and soy sauce blend creates a delightful balance that’s savory and slightly sweet. Speedy Cooking: In under 30 minutes, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal that beats takeout any day. Rich Texture: The glossy sauce envelops tender chicken thighs, making every bite a luscious experience. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a weekday dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. For an easy pairing, serve it with steamed rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce!
Ingredients for Red Braised Chicken
For the Chicken
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – The main protein source provides flavor and tenderness. Substitution: Boneless, skin-on thighs can be used for a richer texture.
• Cornstarch – Helps to coat the chicken, making it silky and moist during cooking. No substitutions recommended.
For the Sauce
• Water – Used to adjust the sauce consistency and facilitate cooking. Keep some in reserve for initial marination and later in cooking.
• Vegetable oil – Essential for cooking and browning the chicken. Substitution: Oils with a high smoke point like canola can be used.
• Rock sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a glossy finish for the sauce. Substitution: Granulated sugar can be used in equal amounts.
• Ginger – Provides warmth and depth to the flavor profile. Fresh ginger is preferred; powdered ginger is not a suitable substitute.
• Shaoxing wine – Adds complexity to the sauce with its rich umami flavor. Substitution: Dry sherry can work in a pinch.
• Light soy sauce – Provides saltiness and enhances flavor. No substitutions recommended.
• Dark soy sauce – Contributes color and a deeper flavor to the dish. No substitutions recommended.
For Garnish
• Scallions – Used as a garnish and adds fresh flavor and color at the end. Flexible: Can be substituted with green onions or omitted.
How to Make Red Braised Chicken
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Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thighs into 1½-inch pieces. Marinate in a bowl with cornstarch, a splash of water, and a tablespoon of vegetable oil to ensure it’s coated well.
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Heat the Wok: Preheat your wok on medium-high heat until it starts to lightly smoke. Add the remaining vegetable oil along with the rock sugar to cook the sugar gently—don’t let it burn!
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Sear the Chicken: Once the sugar has melted, increase the heat and add the chicken in a single layer. Allow it to sear undisturbed for about 1 minute, then flip to brown the other side lightly.
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Build the Flavor: Reduce the heat and stir in the ginger, followed by the Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and 1 cup of water. Cover the wok and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all those lovely flavors.
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Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce ends up too watery, uncover the wok, increase the heat, and stir continuously until it reduces to a thick, glossy sauce in 1-3 minutes.
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Garnish and Serve: Mix in the chopped scallions for a fresh crunch just before serving. Ladle the succulent chicken onto plates and enjoy!
Optional: Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Red Braised Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover red braised chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s cooled down before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: If you need to extend its life, freeze the chicken in a tightly sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Aim to heat until just warmed through without overcooking the chicken.
Make Ahead Options
These Quick & Easy Red Braised Chicken (Hongshao Ji) are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken thighs in cornstarch, water, and oil up to 24 hours in advance; this will enhance the texture and flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce mixture (ginger, Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, and water) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the marinated chicken as directed, add the pre-made sauce, and let it simmer. This ensures that your busy weeknights are easier and that your meal remains just as delicious and satisfying!
Red Braised Chicken Variations
Customize your red braised chicken with these delightful twists that’ll make your dish even more enticing!
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Lighter Option: Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just watch the cooking time to prevent dryness.
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Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for color and nutrition. These veggies will soak up the sauce and add a crunch.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in a few sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili oil for heat. It elevates the flavor and adds a lovely warmth.
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Sweet & Savory: Replace rock sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique twist. The sweetness will blend nicely with the savory elements.
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Herbal Freshness: Experiment by adding fresh basil or cilantro as a garnish. Their aromatic qualities can brighten the dish beautifully.
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Umami Depth: Include a splash of oyster sauce to enhance richness. This addition deepens the flavor, making it even more satisfying.
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Sautéed Mushrooms: Stir in shiitake or button mushrooms while simmering. They’ll absorb the sauce and add a meaty texture for mushroom lovers.
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Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds just before serving for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It will elevate the presentation and taste!
Explore these variations to make every meal a unique experience and watch your family and friends be amazed!
What to Serve with Red Braised Chicken?
Imagine the warmth of a home-cooked meal, where each bite tells a story of comforting flavors and delightful aromas.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice soaks up the sticky sauce beautifully, balancing the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A medley of colorful veggies adds crunch and freshness, making every bite a balanced experience. Think crisp bell peppers and tender broccoli!
- Garlic Noodles: Slightly sweet and savory, these noodles are a perfect companion, allowing the rich sauce to coat them in velvety goodness.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a hint of tanginess brightens the meal, providing a crisp contrast to the tender chicken.
- Hot and Sour Soup: This classic starter pairs perfectly, offering a warm, spicy, and tangy note that harmonizes with the chicken’s flavors.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: A fragrant drink that helps cleanse the palate, enhancing the meal’s savory elements while offering soothing warmth.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, this indulgent treat with its gooey center adds a touch of elegance, leaving a sweet note to end the meal.
- Pickled Vegetables: These provide a zesty crunch to the dining experience, complementing the sweetness of the red braised chicken perfectly.
Expert Tips for Red Braised Chicken
- Marination Matters: Always marinate the chicken thighs well to ensure they stay tender and absorb flavors deeply during cooking.
- Watch the Heat: Searing should be done over high heat without stirring too much to avoid toughening the chicken.
- Balance the Sauces: Using both light and dark soy sauce is essential to achieve the authentic taste and richness of red braised chicken.
- Avoid Watery Sauce: If the sauce seems too thin at the end, increase the heat and stir until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ginger is vital; it brings depth to the flavor that powdered alternatives simply cannot match.
Red Braised Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for red braised chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for red braised chicken as they provide both flavor and tenderness. You can substitute with boneless, skin-on thighs for even richer taste, just be mindful of adjusting cooking times slightly to account for the additional fat.
How should I store leftover red braised chicken?
For storage, place your leftover red braised chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before sealing to maintain its freshness. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.
Can I freeze red braised chicken?
Yes, you can freeze red braised chicken! Simply transfer it to a tightly sealed freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat after freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep the sauce moist and delicious.
What should I do if my sauce is too watery?
If you find your sauce too watery, don’t fret! Uncover the pan, raise the heat to medium-high, and stir continuously while it reduces. In about 1-3 minutes, the sauce will thicken into that beautiful glossy consistency. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Great question! This dish contains soy sauce, which means it may not be suitable for individuals with soy allergies. Additionally, if you’re preparing this for pets, it’s best to keep the seasoned sauce away from them, as it includes ingredients not safe for their digestion, like garlic or onions.
What’s the best way to tell if my ingredients are fresh?
When selecting ingredients, look for bright, vibrant scallions and firm ginger without dark spots. The chicken should have a fresh, clean scent with no odd odors. For rock sugar, choose clear pieces without any signs of moisture or clumping. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of your red braised chicken!
Quick Red Braised Chicken Recipe for Delicious Home Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the boneless chicken thighs into 1½-inch pieces. Marinate in a bowl with cornstarch, a splash of water, and a tablespoon of vegetable oil to ensure it’s coated well.
- Preheat your wok on medium-high heat until it starts to lightly smoke. Add the remaining vegetable oil along with the rock sugar to cook the sugar gently—don’t let it burn!
- Once the sugar has melted, increase the heat and add the chicken in a single layer. Allow it to sear undisturbed for about 1 minute, then flip to brown the other side lightly.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the ginger, followed by the Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and 1 cup of water. Cover the wok and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all those lovely flavors.
- If your sauce ends up too watery, uncover the wok, increase the heat, and stir continuously until it reduces to a thick, glossy sauce in 1-3 minutes.
- Mix in the chopped scallions for a fresh crunch just before serving. Ladle the succulent chicken onto plates and enjoy!