Sha Cha Chicken Recipe

I absolutely adore this sha cha chicken recipe because it’s like a flavor-packed trip to a vibrant Asian street market with every bite. The combination of the rich, savory sauces and the fresh, colorful veggies just makes my taste buds dance in sheer delight!

Sha Cha Chicken is a colorful, easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of flavor and is just as satisfying as any you might find at a restaurant. I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts and infuse them with the tastes of sha cha sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a delicious, protein-packed meal.

Red and green bell peppers, garlic, and ginger add vibrancy and color, not to mention essential nutrients. This dish tastes as if it were meant to be your go-to meal on a weeknight.

Sha Cha Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken: A lean protein source, helps build and repair tissues.
• Sha Cha Sauce: Adds umami flavor, contains seafood and spice undertones.
• Soy Sauce: Provides savory taste, contains sodium for flavor enhancement.
• Oyster Sauce: Thickens dishes, imparts sweet and salty flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Offers nutty aroma, rich in healthy fats.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic zest, contains antioxidants beneficial for immunity.
• Ginger: Adds spicy warmth, aids digestion and reduces inflammation.
• Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins, adds color and freshness to dishes.

Sha Cha Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons sha cha sauce (Chinese barbecue sauce)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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How to Make this Sha Cha Chicken Recipe

1. Begin by soaking the chicken strips in a basin containing sha cha sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Let the mixture sit for a minimum of 15 minutes.

2. In a large skillet or wok, over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the strips of chicken and stir-fry until thoroughly cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Add the vegetable oil; then, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Cook these three ingredients together until they are all fragrant, about 30 seconds. The next part is easy.

4. Place the onions in the skillet and sizzle them for 1-2 minutes, stirring continually, until they begin to soften and turn clear.

5. Add the red and green bell peppers and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp.

6. Place the pan with the vegetables back on the heat. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, and mix everything together well. The heat is important here, as you want to mix the chicken and vegetables together well when they are warm.

7. If necessary, add a bit of water to form a thin sauce. Stir to evenly combine all the flavors.

8. Add salt and pepper to the dish for seasoning to your preference.

9. Scallions, chopped, sprinkled over the top. Everything now requires one last toss in the pan.

10. Serve the Sha Cha Chicken hot with desired steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!

Sha Cha Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Basin or mixing bowl
2. Large skillet or wok
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Tongs or chopsticks
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Grater (for ginger)
9. Small bowl or plate (for setting aside cooked chicken)
10. Serving dish or plates

FAQ

• What is Sha Cha sauce?Sauce made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chilies, and dried shrimp, Sha Cha, also known as Chinese barbecue sauce, is a slightly spicy and very savory sauce. It’s used widely in Chinese cooking, for everything from dipping sauce to the invariable component for stir-fries.
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?Indeed, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. Thighs are often more succulent and pack a bigger punch in terms of flavor.
• Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?Hoisin sauce or mushroom stir-fry sauce can serve as substitutes with a similar umami flavor, but the taste will differ somewhat.
• What vegetables can be added to this dish?In addition to bell peppers and onions, enhancing the dish’s not only nutritional but also textural content can be achieved by adding broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms.
• How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?To maintain the tenderness of the chicken, do not overcook it. Slice the chicken into thin pieces, and stir-fry it quickly over high heat until it is just cooked through.
• Can this recipe be made in advance?Although it is best to serve this dish fresh, it is possible to prepare it a day in advance. All the ingredients can be measured out and then stored together in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and cook the dish. That way, there’s not much work left to do when you want to serve it.
• What can I serve with Sha Cha Chicken?For a complete meal, serve Sha Cha Chicken with steamed white or brown rice or noodles. You could also complement it with a side of stir-fried greens or an Asian-inspired salad.

Sha Cha Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tofu or shrimp can be used in place of chicken for a different protein option.
Should sha cha sauce not be on hand, use hoisin sauce in its place. You will have, essentially, the same base of flavor with a not-so-slightly altered profile. Hoisin sauce is integrated into many dishes in southern China, just as sha cha sauce is.
Substitute hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce for oyster sauce for a vegetarian option.
Substitute sesame oil with olive oil, and you’ll have a completely different flavor profile.
In the absence of fresh ginger, substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate Longer for More Flavor If time permits, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors of the sha cha sauce and other ingredients to penetrate the chicken more thoroughly.

2. Prep Ingredients in Advance Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a quick process, so having everything prepared ensures a smooth workflow and prevents overcooking.

3. Use High Heat Ensure your pan or wok is very hot before adding the ingredients. A high heat is essential for a good stir-fry, allowing you to quickly sear the chicken and vegetables while keeping them tender-crisp.

4. Consistency in Slicing Try to slice the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This helps ensure even cooking, so all components are done at the same time.

5. Adjust Sauce Consistency If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the pan in step 7. Stir until the sauce thickens to your liking.