Sarah BrownBefore diving into the delicious details about P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken, let’s talk about what to serve it with. A dish like this deserves the spotlight, but the right side dishes can elevate the meal to new heights. Here are a few ideas that would complement the spicy notes beautifully:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture neutralizes the spiciness, creating a perfect balance on your plate.
- Stir-fried Broccoli: A little crunch and a lot of green. Broccoli’s mild flavor pairs excellently with the bold spicy chicken.
- Crispy Egg Rolls: For that extra crunch and a little contrast, egg rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp provide a delightful appetizer.
- Sesame Noodles: Tangy and slightly sweet, they can act almost like a sauce that underlines the chicken’s spiciness.
- Asian Slaw: A fresh, crunchy salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.
Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday night. You’ve just settled in, and the thought of whipping up something extraordinary fills the air. You flip through your favorite recipe resources only to find yourself craving P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken. Why? Because it’s one of those dishes that gives you a warm hug from the inside out.
Want to whet your appetite? Take a moment to think about the immediate flavor explosion. Crispy chicken meets a sweet and spicy sauce, often garnished with fresh scallions and sesame seeds.
Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? Let’s break down exactly what makes P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken a crowd-pleaser, while also ensuring you can recreate this gem in your own kitchen.
What is P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken?
P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken isn’t just any dish; it comes alive from the blend of flavors, textures, and a little bit of a kick. The chicken is typically battered and fried to that coveted golden-brown perfection.
Then, it takes a dip in a sauce that’s both sweet and spicy, thanks to the combination of chili sauce, soy sauce, and a whisper of garlic. This Asian-inspired dish has become a staple on their menu, and for good reason.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken reminds me of a culinary fireworks display. The first bite introduces the sweetness from the chili sauce, making the palate dance with joy. Almost immediately, the heat from the crushed red pepper flakes steps in, warming you up.
And then there’s the savoriness from the soy sauce that holds everything together, bringing a rounding effect to each mouthful. Adding fresh ginger makes the dish feel vibrant, while just a hint of rice vinegar adds a layer of subtle acidity.
If you’re the adventurous type, mix in a little more chili for an extra kick. The balance of flavors is what keeps you coming back for more, bite after bite.
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Why You’ll Love This
Let’s break this down into simple reasons you’re going to love making this dish at home:
- Quick Cooking Time: You can have dinner on the table in under an hour. Perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Flavor Bomb: This dish packs a punch. It has that “wow” factor that impresses family or guests alike.
- Healthier Option: You can control the ingredients. It’s lighter than takeout and can be tailored to your dietary needs.
- Customizable: Don’t like it too spicy? Adjust the pepper content. Want more veggies? Toss in some broccoli or carrots.
- Perfect Leftovers: Making a double batch ensures lunch is sorted for the next day. Who doesn’t love twice the flavor?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken:
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (adds brightness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (adds subtle acidity)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 pinch salt
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Begin by rinsing your rice thoroughly under cold water. Drain off excess water, then place the rice into a pot with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
While your rice is cooking, grab a bowl and toss the diced chicken with cornstarch until fully coated. The cornstarch will give the chicken that crispy texture we all adore.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat up the canola oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough so the chicken crisps up beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and place on paper towels to drain.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring to mix everything together.
Step 6: Combine
Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb those delicious flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the spicy chicken over the fluffy rice and finish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Voilà! You have a restaurant-worthy dish ready to devour.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tidbits to make your cooking experience even better:
- Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh chicken breast over frozen. It ensures a better texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Experiment with red pepper flakes. Start small; you can always add more later.
- Prepare Ahead: Marinate your chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking; it enhances the flavor significantly.
- Experiment with Veggies: Add snow peas or bell peppers during the sauce-making step for added texture and nutrition.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This step is crucial for that crispy exterior, so don’t be tempted to leave it out!
Nutrition Information
For those keeping an eye on nutrition, here’s a breakdown for one serving of P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken, served with rice.
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fats: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
The nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredient measurements and portion sizes, so this is a ballpark figure.
How Can You Store This P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), storing them is straightforward. Simply place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, either microwave it for a quick meal or sauté it in a pan to crisp it back up.
Alternative Ingredient Choices
If you find yourself short on some ingredients, no worries! Here are a few alternatives you can consider:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean turkey breast can work as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Soy Sauce: Don’t have soy sauce on hand? Tamari or coconut aminos can be excellent alternatives that also work for gluten-free diets.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: If you want to go homemade, mix equal parts honey and sriracha. This provides the sweet and spicy qualities that the dish needs.
P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken:
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 bunch scallions chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger adds brightness
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar adds subtle acidity
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Begin by rinsing your rice thoroughly under cold water. Drain off excess water, then place the rice into a pot with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- While your rice is cooking, grab a bowl and toss the diced chicken with cornstarch until fully coated. The cornstarch will give the chicken that crispy texture we all adore.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or wok, heat up the canola oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough so the chicken crisps up beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken to the skillet in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and place on paper towels to drain.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring to mix everything together.
Step 6: Combine
- Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb those delicious flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Spoon the spicy chicken over the fluffy rice and finish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Voilà! You have a restaurant-worthy dish ready to devour.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh chicken breast over frozen. It ensures a better texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Experiment with red pepper flakes. Start small; you can always add more later.
- Prepare Ahead: Marinate your chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking; it enhances the flavor significantly.
- Experiment with Veggies: Add snow peas or bell peppers during the sauce-making step for added texture and nutrition.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This step is crucial for that crispy exterior, so don’t be tempted to leave it out!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can, but remember to thaw it completely before coating in cornstarch. Cooking from frozen may yield a different texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce isn’t gluten-free, but you can easily substitute with tamari or coconut aminos to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I use another protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Adjust cooking times as necessary for different proteins.
What can I serve as a side?
Fried rice or a simple cucumber salad works great. You can also serve spring rolls for some extra fun.
How spicy is P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken?
It’s spicy, but you control the levels by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
And there you have it. P.F. Chang’s Spicy Chicken is no ordinary dish; it’s a blend of sweet, spicy, and savory that brings excitement to any dinner table. With a little time and the right ingredients, you can enjoy this restaurant classic right from your home.
So get cooking and treat yourself to this flavor-packed meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. If you do end up with leftovers, well, lucky you! Just remember to savor every bite while basking in your culinary triumph. Happy cooking!
