Chicken Peking Style

Chicken Peking Style in the USA

Origin:

The dish "Chicken Peking Style" available in American restaurants is most likely inspired by the Chinese dish Peking Roast Duck, which originates from the city of Beijing, China. While the flavors and cooking methods might differ slightly, the essence remains similar.

Flavor Profile:

- Sweet and savory flavors

- Crispy skin with a slight smoky aroma

- Balance of tangy and savory notes

- Often served with hoisin sauce, pancakes, cucumber sticks, and ginger-garlic sauce

Common Ingredients:

- Chicken breasts or thighs

- Cornstarch slurry

- Sesame oil

- Hoisin sauce

- Oyster sauce

- Garlic

- Ginger

- Scallions

- Mandarin oranges (for garnish)

Preparation:

1. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

2. It is then lightly battered in cornstarch before being fried until golden brown and crispy.

3. While the chicken is frying, a sauce is made by caramelizing sugar in the pan and adding soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce.

4. The chicken is then tossed in the sauce before being served with pancakes, cucumber sticks, and a sweet dip like hoisin sauce or a ginger-garlic sauce.

American Adaptations:

- Some American restaurants might use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders instead of traditional cuts.

- The sauce might be thicker or sweeter depending on the restaurant's preference.

- Some restaurants add additional ingredients to the sauce, such as vegetables or mushrooms.

Where to Try:

This dish is widely available in Chinese restaurants across the USA, especially those with a focus on Cantonese or Peking cuisine. Some popular chains where you can find this dish include:

- Panda Express

- Panda Inn

- P.F. Chang's

- Ocean Harbor Seafood House

- Baohong Restaurant

Additional Tips:

- When ordering, be sure to specify if you want the dish with chicken breast or thighs.

- For a healthier option, ask for the dish with less sauce or without the fried bread.

- Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.