Oyster Sauce Chicken Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this lean protein is the main component of the dish.

Oyster sauce: A thick, dark sauce made from oysters, it adds a deep umami flavor.

Soy sauce: A salty, savory sauce made from fermented soybeans, it enhances the overall taste.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and chicken, it has a neutral flavor.

Garlic: Fresh cloves minced to release their aromatic and flavorful oils.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.

Water: Helps to create the sauce and adjust its consistency.

When sautéing garlic, be careful not to let it burn as it can turn bitter. Keep a close eye and stir frequently until it becomes fragrant and golden. This will ensure a rich, aromatic base for your oyster sauce chicken.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breast.

• Oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce has a similar sweet and savory profile, though it is slightly thicker and less salty than oyster sauce.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that has a similar taste and consistency to soy sauce.

• Vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for vegetable oil.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though you will need to adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.

• Sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can be used in place of sugar, but be mindful of its stronger flavor and adjust the quantity accordingly.

• Water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds extra flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste compared to plain water.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  3. Add the leftover oyster sauce chicken to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with freshly steamed rice.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  4. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the chicken is heated through; if not, continue heating in 30-second intervals.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to the dish.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
  6. Serve immediately with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer with boiling water.
  2. Place the leftover chicken in a heatproof dish that fits inside the steamer.
  3. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
  4. Serve hot, perhaps with a drizzle of extra oyster sauce for added flavor.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the chicken and sauce over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the oyster sauce, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and sugar accurately.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the ¼ cup of water needed for the recipe.

• Knife: Used to cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

• Cutting board: A surface used for cutting the chicken to keep your countertop clean and safe.

• Garlic press: An optional tool to easily mince the garlic cloves.

• Serving spoon: Used to serve the finished dish onto plates.

• Rice cooker: An optional tool to cook the rice that will be served with the chicken.

• Mixing bowl: An optional tool to mix the sauces and sugar before adding them to the skillet.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the chicken breast and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

Measure sauces beforehand: Measure out the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

Cook rice simultaneously: Start cooking your rice while preparing the chicken to have everything ready at the same time.

Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet can help cook the chicken more evenly and make cleanup easier.