Hey guys! Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! This steamed chicken with Chinese sausage is a classic dish that’s packed with flavor and incredibly simple to make. It’s the perfect weeknight meal or a great addition to any potluck or gathering. Let's dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can create it in your own kitchen. This recipe combines the juicy tenderness of steamed chicken with the savory-sweet taste of Chinese sausage, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. The simplicity of the steaming method ensures that the chicken remains moist and succulent, while the sausage infuses the dish with its distinctive aroma and taste. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Steamed chicken with Chinese sausage is a Cantonese classic, celebrated for its simplicity and the way it highlights the natural flavors of its ingredients. The dish is a staple in many Chinese households, often served during family meals and special occasions. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredient list and straightforward cooking process. The steaming method not only preserves the moisture of the chicken but also allows the flavors of the sausage and other seasonings to meld together beautifully. The result is a dish that is both comforting and satisfying, perfect for any time of the year. To truly appreciate this dish, it's important to understand the key components and how they come together to create a culinary masterpiece. The chicken should be of high quality, preferably free-range or organic, to ensure the best flavor and texture. The Chinese sausage, known for its unique sweet and savory profile, is the star of the show, adding a depth of flavor that is hard to resist. The addition of simple seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and scallions enhances the overall taste, making it a dish that is both flavorful and aromatic. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this steamed chicken with Chinese sausage recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness. So, let's get started and bring this classic dish to life in your kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There's so much to love about this steamed chicken and Chinese sausage recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in under an hour. Secondly, the flavor combination is out of this world. The savory chicken pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet and smoky Chinese sausage, creating a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutrients and moisture of the chicken, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Another reason to adore this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables or adjusting the seasonings. Feel free to experiment with ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, ginger, or scallions to elevate the flavor profile even further. This dish is also a great option for meal prepping. You can prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a convenient and healthy choice for busy individuals. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a fantastic way to showcase your culinary skills and impress your loved ones. The simplicity of the preparation process, combined with the exquisite taste, makes it a winning dish for any occasion. From a quick weeknight dinner to a special family gathering, this steamed chicken with Chinese sausage is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won't be disappointed!

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this amazing steamed chicken dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s the lineup:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that is bursting with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall taste and texture of the final product. The chicken thighs, being more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts, are the ideal choice for this recipe. Their natural juiciness is enhanced by the steaming process, resulting in a succulent and satisfying dish. The Chinese sausages, with their distinctive sweet and savory profile, are the star of the show, adding a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. The combination of soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sesame oil, and sugar creates a marinade that not only seasons the chicken but also infuses it with a rich and aromatic essence. The grated ginger adds a touch of warmth and spice, while the scallions provide a fresh and vibrant garnish. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a few carefully selected ingredients can transform into a culinary masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that will delight your senses and impress your loved ones. This steamed chicken with Chinese sausage is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your own steamed chicken with Chinese sausage:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sesame oil, sugar, and grated ginger. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Arrange the Ingredients: Spread the marinated chicken evenly on a heatproof plate or dish. Arrange the sliced Chinese sausages on top of the chicken. This ensures that the sausage flavor infuses the chicken during the steaming process.
3. Steam the Chicken: Fill a wok or large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steaming rack or trivet inside the pot. Carefully place the plate of chicken and sausage on the rack. Cover the pot and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
4. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately. The fresh scallions add a vibrant touch and a hint of freshness to the dish.

Following these steps will ensure that your steamed chicken with Chinese sausage turns out perfectly every time. The marinating process is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor, so don't skip this step. Allowing the chicken to marinate for a longer period will result in a more flavorful and tender dish. When arranging the ingredients, make sure the chicken is spread evenly on the plate to ensure even cooking. The Chinese sausages should be placed on top of the chicken so their flavors can seep into the meat as it steams. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the natural moisture of the chicken, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces, so it's important to check for doneness by piercing the chicken with a fork or knife. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked through. Finally, garnishing with fresh scallions adds a pop of color and a refreshing element to the dish. Serve the steamed chicken with Chinese sausage hot, preferably with a side of steamed rice to soak up all the delicious juices. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, follow these instructions, and get ready to enjoy a culinary delight that will impress your family and friends.

Tips for the Best Steamed Chicken

To make sure your steamed chicken with Chinese sausage is a total success, here are a few tips:

• Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. They stay moist during steaming.
• Don't Skip the Marinating: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or longer) is key to infusing it with flavor.
• Slice the Sausage Thinly: Thinly sliced Chinese sausage will cook evenly and release its delicious flavor into the dish.
• Steam Over High Heat: Make sure the water is boiling vigorously to create enough steam for cooking the chicken properly.
• Check for Doneness: The chicken is cooked when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will become dry.

These tips are designed to help you achieve the best possible results when making steamed chicken with Chinese sausage. Using high-quality chicken is essential for both flavor and texture. Chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, are more forgiving during the steaming process and will remain juicy and tender. Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing it with flavor, so don't skip this step. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become. Slicing the Chinese sausage thinly ensures that it cooks evenly and releases its unique sweet and savory flavors throughout the dish. Steaming over high heat is important for creating enough steam to cook the chicken properly. The steam should envelop the chicken and cook it gently, preserving its natural moisture. Checking for doneness is crucial to avoid overcooking the chicken, which can result in a dry and less flavorful dish. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or knife. If the juices are still pink, continue steaming for a few more minutes and check again. By following these tips, you can ensure that your steamed chicken with Chinese sausage is a culinary masterpiece that will delight your family and friends. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. So, take these tips to heart, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that is both flavorful and memorable.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations and add-ins you can try:

• Add Mushrooms: Shiitake or other Asian mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
• Include Vegetables: Add some bok choy or gai lan for a healthy twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Use Different Sauces: Experiment with hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Add Ginger and Garlic: More ginger and garlic can boost the aromatic qualities of the dish.

These variations and add-ins offer a fantastic way to customize your steamed chicken with Chinese sausage to suit your taste preferences. Adding mushrooms, such as shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, can impart a rich, umami flavor that complements the savory chicken and sausage. Incorporating vegetables like bok choy, gai lan, or even snow peas can add a healthy and vibrant element to the dish, making it a more complete meal. If you're a fan of spicy food, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can kick up the heat and add an exciting dimension to the flavor profile. Experimenting with different sauces, such as hoisin sauce or oyster sauce, can also create unique and delicious variations. Hoisin sauce, with its sweet and savory notes, can add depth and richness, while oyster sauce can impart a briny and umami flavor. For those who love the aromatic qualities of ginger and garlic, adding more of these ingredients can significantly enhance the dish. Minced garlic and ginger can be added to the marinade or sprinkled over the chicken before steaming to infuse it with their distinctive flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can easily adapt it to your liking and create a dish that is truly your own. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations. Whether you're adding vegetables, spices, or sauces, the possibilities are endless. The goal is to create a steamed chicken with Chinese sausage dish that reflects your personal taste and preferences. So, go ahead, get creative, and have fun in the kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

This steamed chicken dish is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up all the flavorful juices.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some greens like bok choy or gai lan for a balanced meal.
• Noodles: Serve over egg noodles or rice noodles for a heartier dish.
• Soup: A light broth-based soup complements the richness of the chicken.
• Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickled cucumbers or carrots can add a refreshing contrast.

These serving suggestions are designed to help you create a complete and satisfying meal around your steamed chicken with Chinese sausage. Steamed rice is the quintessential accompaniment, providing a neutral base that soaks up the flavorful juices and sauces from the dish. Its subtle sweetness and fluffy texture complement the savory flavors of the chicken and sausage perfectly. Stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, gai lan, or Chinese broccoli, add a healthy and vibrant element to the meal. They provide essential nutrients and a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken and sausage. Serving the steamed chicken over noodles, whether egg noodles or rice noodles, transforms it into a heartier and more substantial dish. The noodles absorb the flavorful sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying combination. A light broth-based soup can be a wonderful addition to the meal, providing a comforting and hydrating element. Clear soups like egg drop soup or wonton soup are excellent choices. Pickled vegetables, such as pickled cucumbers or carrots, offer a refreshing and tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the steamed chicken. Their acidity helps to cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the dish. Ultimately, the best way to serve steamed chicken with Chinese sausage is according to your personal preferences and the occasion. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy meal or a more substantial feast, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, consider these suggestions, get creative, and create a meal that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and flavorful recipe for steamed chicken with Chinese sausage that you can whip up any time. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, and it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can nail it. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking, guys! This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most delicious dishes are also the simplest to make. The combination of tender chicken, savory Chinese sausage, and fragrant seasonings creates a culinary masterpiece that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this steamed chicken with Chinese sausage is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a dish that is bursting with flavor and aroma. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!