Velvet Chicken & Vegetables Stir Fry (Chinese Takeout)

Velvet chicken is a simple and tasty way to turn regular chicken breast into something soft and tender. This method, used in Chinese cooking, makes the chicken perfect for stir fries. With bright broccoli and crunchy water chestnuts mixed with juicy chicken, every bite is a mix of flavors and textures.

In our recipe for Velvet Chicken & Vegetables Stir Fry, you’ll learn how to make this easy and flavorful dish that’s also full of healthy ingredients. We’ll show you how to velvet chicken using baking soda, which helps it stay juicy without overcooking.

What Is Velvet Chicken?

Velvet chicken is a Chinese technique that uses a simple marinade to lock in moisture and stop the chicken from drying out. Usually, the chicken is marinated in cornstarch, oil, and sometimes egg whites, then blanched or quickly fried.

Whether in a garlic stir fry or a new fusion recipe, this method ensures tender, flavorful bites every time. You can even try using baking soda to make it easier. By sprinkling a little baking soda on the chicken and letting it rest for 15 minutes, you help keep the moisture in and break down the proteins for that soft texture.

After rinsing off the baking soda, pat the chicken dry before cooking for the best results. Adding this technique to your cooking routine will help you make restaurant-quality meals at home.

How To Make Velvet Chicken With Baking Soda

• For perfect velveting chicken, slice your chicken into thin pieces at a 45-degree angle. This not only makes it look nice but also helps it cook evenly. Cutting the pieces wider lets them absorb flavors better. Keep the thickness the same for each piece, so everything cooks at the same time, avoiding any tough or undercooked bites.

• Dusting the chicken with baking soda using a mesh strainer is a very crucial step. Baking soda on chicken helps soften the meat by breaking down proteins. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. When you add your favorite sauces or marinades and stir-fry or deep-fry, it turns a simple dish into a restaurant-quality meal in no time!

• Velveting chicken for stir fry is a simple method that uses baking soda to make the chicken soft as it helps break down the proteins in the meat. This technique not only keeps the chicken moist but also helps it soak up all the flavors during cooking.

• After letting the chicken sit with baking soda for about 30 minutes, rinse it thoroughly to remove any leftover taste. Using a large mesh strainer makes this easy and keeps the chicken pieces in place.

• Once rinsed, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives a nice sear when stir-frying.

Key Tips – Velvet Chicken

Don’t Skip The Tenderizing Process.

• To velvet chicken, focus on making it tender for a better dish. Start by dusting the chicken with baking soda, which helps soften the meat. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes so the baking soda can do its job, of breaking down the proteins. After resting, rinse the chicken well to remove any extra baking soda and keep the flavor just right.

• Skipping this step may seem quicker, but it can lead to overcooked or tough chicken. Learning how to velvet chicken helps lock in moisture during cooking, making it perfect for any dish from stir-fries to fancier meals.

Buy Pre-Cut Broccoli Florets For Easy Prep.

• For a tasty velvet chicken dish, saving time is key. Buying pre-cut broccoli florets is a great shortcut! It cuts down on prep work and gives you fresh, crunchy veggies that make your dish look and taste amazing. Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and bright color, making your velvet chicken even better.

• Using frozen broccoli may seem easy, but it often loses freshness and can get mushy when cooked. For the best results in your velvet chicken dish, fresh veggies are the way to go! They keep the texture just right and make your meal taste much better without adding extra prep time.

The Sauce Can Be Mixed Ahead Of Time.

• Mixing the sauce ahead of time can make cooking much easier, especially if you’re busy. By doing this, you’ll save time later and can focus on other parts of the meal or relax with family. Having the sauce ready means your dish will be full of flavor in every bite when it’s served.

• Alongside sauce preparation, don’t overlook the benefits of velveting chicken with baking soda. This helps make the meat tender and keeps it juicy while cooking. After velveting, you can refrigerate the chicken until you’re ready to cook.

Check Out The Guide On Freezing Fresh Garlic To Save Some Time In The Kitchen.

Freezing fresh garlic is a great way to save time in the kitchen without losing any flavor. It’s easy just peel and chop your garlic, then freeze it in small portions. You can even use an ice cube tray, adding olive oil or broth to prevent freezer burn. This makes it simple to grab what you need for cooking anytime.

Dietary Restrictions – Velvet Chicken

Follow these restrictions for a perfect velvet chicken

This Dish Is Naturally Dairy Free.

Velvet Chicken is perfect for anyone who can’t have dairy. It’s made with tender chicken that stays full of flavor without needing cream or butter. Coconut milk or veggie broth keeps the chicken moist and adds a nice, nutty flavor.

You can easily adjust the recipe to fit other diets too. Adding colorful veggies gives more nutrients, and serving it over quinoa or brown rice makes it gluten-free.

Make It Gluten Free.

To make a gluten free version of Velvet Chicken, it’s important to choose the right sauces. Regular oyster sauce has wheat, but now there are gluten free options from brands like Kikkoman and Lee Kum Kee. These keep the rich flavor without the gluten. 

You should also use gluten-free soy sauce like tamari. It goes well with the chicken’s soft texture and adds great taste. By using these simple swaps, you can make sure everyone at the table enjoys the meal, even those with gluten sensitivity!

A Note On Serving Sizes

When making Velvet Chicken, serving sizes can vary a lot. While the recipe says it serves four, this depends on how much each person eats. Some might want a big, hearty plate, while others may enjoy smaller portions with extra sides.

In homes where people eat different amounts due to age or activity levels it’s great to have flexibility. You can easily make this dish into 2-3 larger servings for dinner or split it into 4 smaller portions for lunches.

Ingredients

• 12-16 oz chicken breast  
• 3 cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz)  
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and rinsed (optional)  
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced (greens only)  
• 2 teaspoons baking soda  
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (I use avocado oil)  
• salt  
• fresh cracked black pepper

For Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken broth (or use water)  
• 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine)  
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce  
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce  
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil  
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch  
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic

Instructions

• Slice the chicken breast into thick pieces for even cooking and better flavor. Lay the slices flat on a cutting board to season them evenly. Dust with baking soda to tenderize the meat.

• While the chicken sits with baking soda, prepare your velveting sauce. Mix chicken stock with cornstarch to create a smooth base. Add oyster sauce for extra flavor. It might not mix perfectly right away, but it will blend well while cooking.

• When the chicken is cooking in the pan, make sure not to overcrowd it. This helps the chicken get a nice golden-brown crust and cook evenly. Start with high heat to lock in moisture and add great flavor.

• When cooking velvet chicken, adjust the heat as needed. Push the chicken to one side to make space for the broccoli, which will stay crisp and colorful. Add water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor. If needed, drizzle a bit more oil to prevent sticking and help mix the flavors.

• As you lower the heat, the yummy smell of simmering sauce fills the kitchen, showing you’re almost done. This step lets the flavors mix and the sauce thicken, coating the chicken and veggies. Keep the heat low to avoid burning and let those rich flavors come together nicely.

• Adding chopped green onions now gives a fresh crunch and a pop of color. They balance out the rich sauce and make the dish extra special. Serve it all over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious juices.

If you love this recipe, you’ll love Chicken Street Tacos a dish everyone will want more of!

Conclusion

Velvet Chicken & Vegetables Stir Fry is a tasty and easy dish that mixes tender chicken with fresh veggies for a quick, healthy meal. The velvety chicken adds great flavor and makes your stir fry stand out.

With simple steps and ingredients, you can make this at home and enjoy takeout quality food. Adding seasonal veggies boosts nutrition and variety. Try this stir fry tonight and wow your family with your cooking!

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