Chinese Simmered Chicken

My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Chinese Simmered Chicken

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of quick and easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor. And my absolute favorite? This Chinese Simmered Chicken recipe. It's a lifesaver!

This recipe isn’t just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s versatile too. I often adjust it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a more complete meal. Other times, if I’m feeling particularly ambitious, I’ll serve it over noodles instead of rice. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. I've even been known to use leftover cooked chicken to speed up the process even further. It’s perfect for those nights when you are simply running low on time.

The key to this recipe’s success is the amazing sauce. That sweet and spicy blend is so addictive! I often find myself making extra to have on hand for other dishes. The kids absolutely love it, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time, so even on the busiest of days, I can still put a healthy and tasty dinner on the table without much fuss. It's a true testament to the power of efficient cooking techniques.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s surprisingly forgiving. Don't have dry sherry? Apple juice works just as well. Want to use different types of chicken? Go for it! I’ve used both bone-in and boneless chicken with great results. The recipe's flexibility makes it perfect for experimenting and adapting to your own preferences and available ingredients.

Beyond the speed and ease, what truly sets this recipe apart is the taste. That perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of spice, makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. I've served this to friends and family, and the consistent praise speaks for itself. It's a recipe that consistently delivers, no matter how chaotic my schedule might be. It's become a staple in our household, a comforting and flavorful dish that's as reliable as it is delicious.

This Chinese Simmered Chicken recipe has become more than just a quick dinner solution; it's a testament to the power of finding joy in simple, delicious meals. It's a recipe I share with friends, a recipe that brings comfort, and a recipe that reminds me that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a little bit of deliciousness. And honestly, that’s a feeling that’s priceless.

So, the next time you’re short on time but craving a flavorful and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You might just find your new go-to weeknight dinner, too. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it's guaranteed to impress, even on the busiest of days.

Ingredients you'll need:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 4 pounds chicken (white and/or dark meat boneless or bone in, skin removed)
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (or apple juice)
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed)
• 1 scallion sliced
• 2 tablespoons potato starch (or cornstarch)
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (toasted (optional))
• Rice (already cooked)

Step-by-step

• Remove skin and fat from chicken.
• Combine Sauce ingredients and whisk together well.
• Select Sauté on your Instant Pot and allow to fully heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the cooking pot and lightly sear chicken pieces, doing the dark meat first.
• Deglaze the cooking pot with the Sherry and then add the sauce and mix through.
• If making this a One Pot Meal, add the prepared rice now.
• Close and Lock the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to "Sealing". Cook at High Pressure for 6 minutes. When beep sounds, allow a 15 minute Natural Pressure Release.
• Turn off the Instant Pot and then select Sauté function again.
• Remove rice and trivet and cover rice. Remove white meat chicken to a platter.
• Remove 1/2 cup of sauce, add potato starch and whisk until smooth. Add the slurry to the cooking pot and incorporate.
• Remove dark meat chicken to the platter. Continue whisking until sauce is sticky and thick.
• Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.