Sha Cha Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic Chinese dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a rich and savory Sha Cha sauce. The sauce, made from a unique blend of spices, creates a smoky, umami-packed flavor profile. This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious stir-fry that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Sha Cha sauce (Chinese BBQ sauce)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (divided)
- 6 slices ginger
- 8 cloves garlic (halved)
- 2 stalks scallions (cut into sections)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Sha Cha sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
- Thoroughly combine to guarantee the chicken is fully covered.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the aromatics by slicing the ginger, halving the garlic cloves, and cutting the scallions into sections.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Add the ginger slices and halved garlic cloves, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, toss it with the ginger and garlic, and add the scallions.
- Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the scallions are slightly softened and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Sha Cha Chicken to a serving plate and garnish with additional scallions or herbs if desired.
Conclusion
This Sha Cha Chicken is a quick, flavorful stir-fry with tender chicken, bold Sha Cha sauce, and aromatic ginger, garlic, and scallions. It’s a simple dish packed with rich, smoky flavors that are perfect for any weeknight meal.
Sautéed Chicken with Sha Cha Sauce (沙茶鸡)
Sha Cha Chicken is a savory and aromatic stir-frymade with marinated chicken, ginger, garlic, and scallions. The unique Sha Chasauce imparts a smoky, umami-rich flavor, making this dish an excellent choicefor a quick and delicious meal.
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks (cut into bite-sized pieces))
- 2 tablespoons Sha Cha sauce (Chinese BBQ sauce)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (divided)
- 6 slices ginger
- 8 cloves garlic (halved)
- 2 stalks scallions (cut into sections)
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Sha Cha sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
- Thoroughly combine to guarantee the chicken is fully covered.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Aromatics:
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the aromatics by slicing the ginger, halving the garlic cloves, and cutting the scallions into sections.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Add the ginger slices and halved garlic cloves, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, toss it with the ginger and garlic, and add the scallions.
- Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the scallions are slightly softened and the chicken is heated through.
Serve:
- Transfer the Sha Cha Chicken to a serving plate and garnish with additional scallions or herbs if desired.