Ycaroh Kitchen Blog

Perfect Chicken Xadrez: Flavor of China in Brazil

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Servings

4

Yield

4 servings

Calories

Approximately 350 calories
Journey through a culinary fusion that marries the bold flavors of China with the vibrant essence of Brazil in this Perfect Chicken Xadrez. This dish, a beloved classic in Brazilian-Chinese cuisine, features tender chicken pieces stir-fried with crunchy bell peppers, savory onions, and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s both spicy and sweet. The addition of toasted peanuts or cashews adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe guides you through creating a delectable masterpiece that’s sure to impress. Dive into the heart of this cultural blend and bring the taste of China and Brazil to your table with this unforgettable Chicken Xadrez.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of chicken breast, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, cubed
  • 1 green bell pepper, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts or cashews
  • For the sauce:
    • 1/2 cup of chicken broth
    • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
    • 1 teaspoon of sugar
    • 1 teaspoon of cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken cubes in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Pour over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
  6. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
  7. Stir in the roasted peanuts or cashews just before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cutting the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly.
  • For a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce.
  • The key to a perfect stir-fry is prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking, as the cooking process is fast.
  • Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Mise en Place

Ingredients

Utensils

  • Chicken breast
  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil
  • Red bell pepper
  • Green bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Roasted peanuts or cashews
  • Chicken broth
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sugar
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Stirring spoon or spatula

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