Addie’s Empress Chicken is a delicious and popular Chinese-American dish. It’s known for its sweet and savory flavors, typically made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce. Here’s the information you requested:
What is it?
Addie’s Empress Chicken is a Chinese-American dish consisting of battered and deep-fried chicken pieces served with a flavorful sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and garlic. The dish is known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile.
History:
The exact origin of Addie’s Empress Chicken is not well-documented, but it is part of the broader category of American-Chinese cuisine, which emerged in the United States as a fusion of Chinese and American culinary traditions. It’s likely that this dish was created in Chinese-American restaurants to cater to local tastes.
Components:
The main components of Addie’s Empress Chicken are:
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Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used. They are cut into bite-sized pieces and coated with batter before frying.
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Batter: The chicken pieces are coated in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, eggs, and seasonings to make them crispy when fried.
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Sauce: The sauce for Empress Chicken typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, sugar or honey, vinegar (often rice vinegar), garlic, ginger, and sometimes ketchup. It’s a sweet and tangy sauce that adds flavor to the dish.
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Vegetables: Some variations of the dish may include bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Steps to Prepare Addie’s Empress Chicken:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, eggs, and seasonings to create the batter.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the batter until well-coated.
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Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok.
- Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil.
- Fry until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, sugar or honey, vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger.
- Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce in the pan.
- Toss them until the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
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Serve:
- Serve Addie’s Empress Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Time Needed to Prepare:
The total time to prepare Addie’s Empress Chicken may vary, but it typically takes approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish, depending on your cooking skills and the quantity you’re making. This includes prep time, frying, and sauce preparation.
Enjoy your homemade Addie’s Empress Chicken! It’s a delightful dish with a perfect balance of flavors.
While I can provide some general information about the nutrition and health aspects of a dish like Addie’s Empress Chicken, it’s important to note that the specific nutritional content can vary depending on the recipe and portion size. Here are some general considerations:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Varies depending on serving size and preparation methods.
- Protein: Chicken is a good source of protein.
- Fat: Fried chicken can be high in fat, especially if deep-fried.
- Carbohydrates: The sauce and batter contribute to carbohydrate content.
- Fiber: Low, as this dish is not typically high in fiber.
- Sugar: The sauce may contain sugar or honey for sweetness.
- Sodium: Soy sauce and other seasonings can contribute to sodium content.
Health Considerations:
- Protein: Chicken provides essential protein, which is important for muscle health and overall body function.
- Fats: While chicken itself is relatively lean, frying can add significant fat content. Consider alternative cooking methods like baking or air frying for a healthier option.
- Carbohydrates: The batter and sauce may contain carbohydrates, so be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your carb intake.
- Sodium: Soy sauce is high in sodium, and the sauce may contain added salt. If you have high blood pressure or are watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount of sauce used.
- Sugar: The sauce typically contains sugar or honey for sweetness. If you’re concerned about sugar intake, you can use less sugar or opt for a sugar substitute.
For precise nutritional information, it’s best to refer to a specific recipe or use a nutrition calculator that takes into account the exact ingredients and portion sizes you plan to use. Additionally, you can modify the recipe to make it healthier by using leaner cuts of chicken, reducing or omitting frying, and using less sugar and salt in the sauce.
