Chang’s Spicy Chicken – This easy copycat chang’s spicy chicken is a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and savory umami is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
What is Chang’s Spicy Chicken?
Chang’s Spicy Chicken is a well-known dish served at P.F. Chang’s, a popular Asian-inspired restaurant chain. This dish is loved for its balance of heat and sweetness, which comes from a mix of spicy chili paste, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from honey or brown sugar. The chicken is usually stir-fried to crispy perfection and then tossed in a mouthwatering sauce, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Bold flavors: The spicy-sweet sauce is an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Customizable heat: Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
- Versatile: Can be served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- Homemade favorite: Skip the takeout and enjoy restaurant-quality food in the comfort of your own home.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make Chang’s Spicy Chicken less spicy?
Yes! If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or use a milder chili paste. You can also omit fresh chili slices and replace them with bell peppers for a sweeter touch.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check the hoisin sauce as well to make sure it’s gluten-free.
Q: Can I use other cuts of chicken?
While chicken breast is leaner, chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Either works well, so choose based on your preference.
Q: What can I serve with Chang’s Spicy Chicken?
Rice or noodles are classic options. For a lighter meal, serve with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or in lettuce wraps. You can also pair it with fried rice for an indulgent treat.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Spicy Chicken
- Get crispy chicken: Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before frying helps it develop a crispy texture, even when coated in sauce.
- Cook in batches: If you’re cooking a large amount of chicken, fry it in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded. This ensures the chicken browns evenly.
- Control the heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili garlic sauce. For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices when garnishing.
- Don’t skip the sesame oil: It adds a nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
Variations of Chang’s Spicy Chicken
Want to get creative with this dish? Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Simply coat in cornstarch and stir-fry until crispy.
- Beef or Shrimp Version: For a different protein, use beef strips or shrimp. Both options work wonderfully with the sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Twist: Add pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a sweet and sour variation.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch and texture.
How to Serve Chang’s Spicy Chicken
Chang’s Spicy Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it easy to pair with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:
- Over Rice: Jasmine rice or brown rice is perfect to soak up the spicy sauce.
- With Noodles: Serve the chicken over stir-fried noodles or lo mein for a heartier meal.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, spoon the chicken into lettuce leaves and enjoy as wraps.
- With Vegetables: Serve with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas to balance the heat with freshness.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Chang's Spicy Chicken (Copycat)
Chang's Spicy Chicken - This easy copycat chang's spicy chicken is a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and savory umami is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (or more to taste)
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 tsp butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and chili flakes in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the Rice: Add rice, water, butter, and salt to a rice cooker and let it do its thing.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss diced chicken in cornstarch. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and stir-fry the chicken for 6-7 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Combine: Toss the cooked chicken with your sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken over your rice, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 431Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 99mgSodium 640mgCarbohydrates 39gFiber 2gSugar 10gProtein 38g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chang’s Spicy Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family or guests. Whether you’re a fan of takeout or just love cooking at home, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust based on your preferences. So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!
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