Kids and adults alike love Imperial Chicken as a main dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.
Crispy seasoned imperial chicken coated in butter and Parmesan cheese is a family favorite! So yummy and perfect on a bed of rice.
Because it only calls for simple things I always have in my pantry, I love this imperial chicken recipe!
It gets great reviews, which is another reason I love chicken imperial. I’ll take those reviews for such an easy recipe!
Plus this chicken imperial recipe goes with so many things! Salad, rice, noodles, etc. All simple and all delicious!
This is also a perfect family meal! It’s a big enough recipe to feed large crowds! Which is always a win!
But you can also easily cut this imperial.chicken in half to make it smaller or double it and feed even more!
And I love that this is one of those healthy recipes I can feel good about serving to my family!
Imperial chicken is a delicious chicken dish that comes from China but is now loved all over the world. Eating imperial chicken is like eating like an emperor because the crispy skin contrasts with the juicy, delicious meat. What is imperial chicken, though, and how did it get its fancy name? Let’s find out more about this delicious dish.
The Origins of Imperial Chicken
Imperial chicken comes from Sichuan province in China, where it was made for the imperial family during the Qing dynasty. The expensive ingredients and complicated cooking method showed how lavish the imperial court was. While the exact origins are unknown, some say it was created during the reign of Empress Cixi in the late 1800s. Since she was known for her fancy feasts, imperial chicken probably showed up on her tables.
Over time, imperial chicken moved from palaces where it wasn’t allowed to restaurants and everyday homes. Versions appeared in Chinese communities abroad. Even though it wasn’t just royal food anymore, the name kept the air of royalty.
Key Features of Imperial Chicken
So what elevates basic chicken to the status of imperial majesty? A few key traits define this dish
Ingredients
Imperial chicken starts with high-quality chicken. Tender cuts like breast meat or boneless thighs are preferred. Soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and spices like five-spice powder or Sichuan peppercorns are then mixed together and put on the chicken. These flavors permeate the meat.
The marinated chicken gets coated in a crispy layer typically containing breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, and seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Parmesan cheese and parsley sometimes join the mix too. The coating seals in the juices while providing contrasting crunch.
Cooking Method
Traditionally, imperial chicken involved extensive hands-on prep. The chicken was first poached in an aromatics-infused broth. After cooling and boning, the meat was shredded by hand before being artfully arranged and served chilled.
Today, most versions skip lengthy poaching. The chicken bakes in the oven after the marinade and coating are applied. This cuts down on active cooking time while still yielding tender, flavorful meat encased in a crispy shell. Deep frying can also be used for an ultra-crunchy crust.
Presentation and Serving
In Chinese banquets, imperial chicken was elegantly plated like edible art. Even in casual settings today, care is taken to showcase the chicken beautifully. A garnish of chopped scallions, cilantro or parsley adds freshness and color. Drizzles of sauce complement the dish.
The chicken can be served on the bone or sliced into strips. In China, imperial chicken often comes with steamed buns or pancakes for DIY wraps with hoisin or soy dipping sauce. It also makes a stellar topping for salads or rice bowls.
Variations on a Theme
One of imperial chicken’s charms is how versatile it is. Cooks can customize it to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some popular variations:
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Switch up the protein. Pork, tofu or shrimp can stand in for chicken.
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Play with spice. Add chili sauce or peppers for heat.
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Go creamy. Fold Parmesan or mozzarella into the coating.
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Herb it up. Use basil, cilantro, thyme and other fresh herbs.
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Get crunchy. Use panko or crushed crackers for extra crispiness.
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Glaze it. Brush on honey, teriyaki or other glazes during baking.
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Frying optional. Pan fry or deep fry instead of baking.
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Sauce it. Serve with plum, hoisin, sweet and sour or dipping sauces.
Whatever you choose, it’s still imperial chicken at heart!
Demystifying the Name
So why is this dish called imperial chicken? Here are the leading theories behind the majestic moniker:
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Royal origins – Created for Chinese royalty, it was fittingly named after the emperors it once fed.
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Lavish ingredients – Premium chicken and spices gave it an air of luxury.
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Artful presentation – Meticulous plating resembled fine palace cuisine.
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auspicious symbolism – In Chinese culture, chicken connotes fortune and blessings.
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Elegant flavors – The complex taste reflects refined imperial tastes.
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Tender texture – Emperors would expect only the most tender, high-quality meat.
Whatever the exact origin, the name imperial chicken evokes the extravagance, privilege and craft of court cuisine. It’s a dish worthy of royalty!
Tasting Imperial Majesty
Have we whetted your appetite to try imperial chicken? This regal dish offers a sensory experience to enthuse both novice and seasoned foodies.
The aroma of garlic, ginger and sesame will make your mouth water. Crispy coating gives way to reveal succulent, flavor-infused meat within. Savory, sweet, tangy and spicy flavors dance on your tongue. The textural contrast keeps each bite interesting.
You’ll feel like royalty savoring every juicy morsel. Just beware – imperial chicken can become a new addiction! It may replace chicken nuggets as your crispy poultry of choice.
While traditionally served for Chinese New Year and weddings, imperial chicken also makes a sophisticated dinner party dish. Prepare it for your next celebration so guests can enjoy a taste of majesty. Or make it a new staple for leisurely family meals.
With the right ingredients and a dash of culinary flair, you can master this emperor-worthy dish at home. Look for an authentic Chinese recipe or experiment with westernized versions. Just allow enough marinating time for flavors to permeate.
Treat yourself to the royal dining experience of imperial chicken soon. Though its name may be imposing, the flavors are inviting for all. After one bite, you’ll be hooked!
So unlock the mysteries of imperial chicken. Cook up this Chinese delicacy fit for royalty, and savor imperial majesty with every juicy, crispy, savory bite.
What Ingredients are in Imperial Chicken?
I love when chicken recipes only use a few ingredients but taste great anyway!
- To make the bread crumbs, get bread crumbs that haven’t been seasoned yet. The other ingredients in this recipe will season them.
- If you want to use parmesan cheese, grate it instead of powdering it. It tastes and cooks better.
- Adding garlic powder to the chicken really makes it taste better.
- Salt and Pepper: For flavoring!
- Fresh Parsley: Can be swapped out with dried parmesan. Be sure to adjust the amounts.
- Butter: A good amount of melted butter is needed for the best taste.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Pro Tips:
- You can use a dish that is safe for microwaves to melt butter.
- Take into account that the bake time will need to be changed if you use chicken breast halves.
How to Make Imperial Chicken
For a full recipe see the recipe card below. Here’s the basics of what you’ll need to get started.
- Combine: Mix together bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
- Dip: Dip chicken in butter and then bread crumb mixture.
- When you bake the chicken, it will be golden brown and the inside will be 165 degrees F.
Pro Tips:
- To get rid of the slime, rinse and dry the chicken. Then, get the butter and bread crumbs to stick.
- Pour any remaining melted butter into the pan. So that the butter can soak into the chicken while it cooks!
- To make this recipe last longer for the kids, cut the chicken pieces in half.
How to Make Imperial Chicken : Cooking Chicken Dishes
FAQ
What is chicken imperial?
Chicken Imperial is a dish that can refer to several different recipes, but most commonly it describes a baked chicken dish with a breadcrumb and cheese topping, often served with a creamy sauce.
What is the difference between General Tso’s and Empress chicken?
The primary difference between these two is flavor. Empress chicken has a spicy taste, but general Tso’s chicken has a tangy and spicy flavor.
What is the most popular Chinese chicken dish?
Kung Pao chicken is one of the most popular Chinese recipes, if not the most. Tender, crunchy and spicy, this Asian chicken recipe is a whole package. Follow the recipe on Once Upon A Chef to see how to make Kung Pao Chicken at home.
What is the difference between General Tso’s chicken and Hunan chicken?
General Tso’s chicken and Hunan chicken, while both popular American-Chinese dishes, have distinct differences in preparation, flavor, and origin. General Tso’s is usually a dish of deep-fried, battered chicken with a sweet and mildly spicy sauce that often tastes a lot like ginger.