Oyster Sauce Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Oyster sauce chicken is a classic stir-fry dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. It’s a perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time but craving something delicious and satisfying. The rich, savory flavor of oyster sauce combined with tender chicken and crisp vegetables creates a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and adjust the level of spice to your liking.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** Oyster sauce provides a unique umami flavor that elevates simple chicken to a restaurant-quality meal.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your preferences with different vegetables and spice levels.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and balanced meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious oyster sauce chicken:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and stay moister, but breasts are a leaner option.
* **Oyster Sauce:** 4 tablespoons. This is the star of the show! Make sure to use a good quality oyster sauce for the best flavor. Look for one that lists oyster extract as the first ingredient.
* **Soy Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Adds a salty and savory depth to the sauce.
* **Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry):** 1 tablespoon. This Chinese cooking wine adds complexity and aroma to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with dry sherry or leave it out.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Used to thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating on the chicken.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Essential for adding a pungent and aromatic base.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, minced. Adds a warm and spicy note.
* **Vegetables:** 2 cups of your choice, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced carrots, snow peas, sliced mushrooms, or bok choy. A mix of colors and textures is always a good idea!
* **Green Onions:** 2, thinly sliced, for garnish.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for cooking.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** To add a touch of heat.

## Equipment

* Wok or large skillet
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring spoons and cups

## Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious oyster sauce chicken:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
* In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. This marinade helps tenderize the chicken and creates a protective layer that prevents it from drying out during cooking. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator.

**2. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* While the chicken is marinating, wash and chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Prepare all the vegetables before you start cooking, as the stir-fry process is quick.
* Mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.
* Slice the green onions for garnish. Set aside.

**3. Make the Oyster Sauce Mixture:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more soy sauce for saltiness or a touch of sugar for sweetness.

**4. Stir-Fry the Chicken:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Make sure the wok or skillet is very hot before adding the chicken. This will help to sear the chicken and prevent it from sticking.
* Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok or skillet and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and steam the chicken instead of searing it.
* Remove the cooked chicken from the wok or skillet and set it aside.

**5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok or skillet. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this will make the dish bitter.
* Add the vegetables to the wok or skillet and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on the vegetables you’re using. Start with the vegetables that take longer to cook, such as broccoli and carrots, and then add the quicker-cooking vegetables, such as bell peppers and snow peas.

**6. Combine and Simmer:**

* Return the cooked chicken to the wok or skillet with the vegetables.
* Pour the oyster sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine and coat everything evenly.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. The cornstarch in the marinade will help to thicken the sauce.

**7. Serve and Garnish:**

* Remove the oyster sauce chicken from the heat and serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
* Garnish with sliced green onions.

## Tips for the Best Oyster Sauce Chicken

* **Use High Heat:** Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create a slightly charred flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding any ingredients.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary.
* **Prepare All Ingredients Beforehand:** Stir-frying is a quick cooking process, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken and vegetables and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
* **Choose the Right Oyster Sauce:** Opt for a high-quality oyster sauce that lists oyster extract as the primary ingredient. This will ensure a rich and authentic flavor.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. Even a short 15-minute marinade can make a difference.
* **Serve Immediately:** Oyster sauce chicken is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is still glossy.

## Variations and Additions

This oyster sauce chicken recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this dish. Some other good options include snap peas, water chestnuts, baby corn, and bamboo shoots.
* **Add Protein:** You can also add other proteins to this dish, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu.
* **Make it Spicy:** If you like your food spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
* **Add Nuts:** Toasted cashews or peanuts add a nice crunch to this dish.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, can add an earthy flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Oyster sauce chicken is delicious served over:

* Steamed white rice
* Brown rice
* Noodles (such as chow mein or lo mein)
* Quinoa

It also pairs well with:

* Spring rolls
* Egg rolls
* Wonton soup
* A simple side salad

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover oyster sauce chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to help keep the chicken moist. It’s best to consume reheated oyster sauce chicken within 1-2 days.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on the ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

## Conclusion

Oyster sauce chicken is a fantastic dish to have in your repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. With its versatility and adaptability, you can easily tailor it to your preferences and enjoy it as a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to experience the magic of oyster sauce chicken!

## Recipe Card

**Oyster Sauce Chicken**

A quick and easy stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a flavorful oyster sauce.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
* 2 cups of your choice of vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, bok choy)
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Red pepper flakes (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions for garnish.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
6. Add the vegetables to the wok and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
8. Pour the oyster sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine and coat everything evenly.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
10. Remove from heat, serve immediately over rice or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions.

**Notes:**

* For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
* Feel free to add other vegetables, such as snap peas, water chestnuts, or baby corn.
* Use high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan for best results.

Enjoy!