Chang's Spicy Chicken is a dish known for its fiery kick and addictive flavor. While the exact recipe from the restaurant remains a closely guarded secret, this recipe comes incredibly close, capturing the essence of that signature spice and savory goodness. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!
What Makes Chang's Spicy Chicken So Special?
The magic behind Chang's Spicy Chicken lies in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The crispy, tender chicken is coated in a vibrant sauce that's both intensely flavorful and surprisingly complex. It's not just about the heat; it's about the intricate layering of tastes that create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Serving (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Cooked rice
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
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Serve: Serve the Chang's Spicy Chicken immediately over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, you can use chicken breasts. However, be mindful that they cook faster and may become dry if overcooked. Reduce the cooking time and keep a close eye on them.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness level is adjustable. Start with the suggested amount of cayenne pepper and chili garlic sauce, and add more to your preference. Remember that the heat builds gradually, so taste as you go.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time, but it's best to combine and heat them just before serving to maintain the chicken's crispiness and the sauce's ideal consistency. Reheating can make the chicken soggy.
What can I serve with Chang's Spicy Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, egg fried rice, or even noodles. A simple side salad or some stir-fried vegetables would also complement the flavors beautifully.
What are some substitutions for ingredients?
If you don't have rice vinegar, white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute. For a less spicy version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili garlic sauce. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying approximation of Chang's Spicy Chicken. Feel free to experiment with the spices and adjust the recipe to your personal taste preferences. Enjoy!
