Aromatic Five-Spice Chicken Stir-Fry
Chinese-Style Chicken Tender Stir-Fry Recipe: Utilizing Frozen Chicken Tenders with Paprika Powder and Five-Spice
Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for a delightful Chinese-style chicken stir-fry that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish features chicken tenderloins marinated and stir-fried with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a unique and captivating flavor profile. If you appreciate the distinctive aroma of five-spice powder, you’re going to love this! I used frozen chicken tenders for convenience, but feel free to use fresh chicken or frozen chicken breast as well. Let’s get started on how to make this impressive Chinese-style chicken stir-fry right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 10 chicken tenderloins (approx. 300-400g)
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (vegetable oil can be substituted)
- 2 tsp five-spice powder
- 2-3 tsp paprika powder
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 10 frozen chicken tenderloins. If your chicken is frozen, thaw it using the microwave’s defrost function or by soaking it in cold water until softened. Once thawed, rinse lightly under running water and pat dry.
Step 2
Prepare 2 cloves of fresh garlic and mince them finely. The pungent aroma of garlic will help eliminate any poultry odor and enhance the overall flavor.
Step 3
Place the prepared chicken tenderloins in a bowl. Add a pinch of black pepper, a pinch of salt, 2 teaspoons of five-spice powder, 2-3 teaspoons of paprika powder, and the minced garlic. Finally, pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use your hands to gently massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Heat control is key here! Cooking on high heat from the start can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Therefore, start with medium heat and stir-fry the chicken until it becomes golden brown. Once the chicken is almost fully cooked, briefly increase the heat to high to get a slightly crispy exterior for added texture.
Step 5
Transfer the beautifully stir-fried chicken to a serving plate. Garnish generously with sesame seeds for a final touch of nutty aroma and visual appeal. Your aromatic Chinese-style chicken stir-fry is now complete! Enjoy this incredibly versatile dish, perfect as a main course with rice or as a flavorful appetizer.
