Sha Cha Chicken

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Introduction

Sha Cha Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry that brings the unique and bold flavors of Sha Cha sauce to life. Known as “Chinese barbecue sauce,” this savory condiment, made from soybeans, garlic, shallots, and dried seafood, has a rich umami taste with a touch of spice that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and crisp vegetables.

I remember the first time I tried this dish—it was a revelation. The Sha Cha sauce added a depth of flavor I’d never tasted before, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The chicken absorbs the sauce beautifully, while the vegetables stay vibrant and crisp, creating a satisfying mix of textures.

What’s fantastic about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can create a flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive dish to serve to guests. Whether you serve it with rice or noodles, Sha Cha Chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Asian-inspired meals
  • Stir-fry lovers
  • Meal prep
  • Serving with rice or noodles

Why You’ll Love This Sha Cha Chicken

Here’s why Sha Cha Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation:

  • Bold, Complex Flavors: The Sha Cha sauce gives the dish a deep, smoky, and savory flavor that’s unforgettable.
  • Quick and Easy: This stir-fry takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal.
  • Customizable: You can easily swap out the chicken or vegetables for your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.
  • Perfect with Rice or Noodles: Serve it over steamed rice or toss with noodles for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Sha Cha Chicken:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons Sha Cha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Stir-Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, finely grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ cup snow peas
  • 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Sha Cha Sauce: This Chinese barbecue sauce is the star of the dish, delivering a rich, umami-packed flavor.
  • Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Both options work, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
  • Vegetables: A mix of crisp, colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas adds texture and nutrition.
  • Shaoxing Wine: This Chinese cooking wine enhances the flavor of the chicken; substitute with dry sherry or omit if unavailable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Sha Cha Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Sha Cha sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.

Cook the Stir-Fry:

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the Vegetables: Toss in the bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  5. Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.

Serve:

  1. Transfer the Sha Cha Chicken to a serving dish, garnish with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Sha Cha Chicken

Sha Cha Chicken pairs perfectly with various sides and accompaniments:

  • Steamed Rice: The flavorful sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy jasmine or white rice.
  • Noodles: Serve it over lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired noodle bowl.
  • Side Dishes: Pair with spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.
  • Meal Prep: Store portions of Sha Cha Chicken with rice or quinoa in meal prep containers for a ready-to-go lunch.

Additional Tips for Sha Cha Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Sha Cha Chicken turns out perfect every time:

  • Prep Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying moves quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
  • Use High Heat: For a proper stir-fry, cook over medium-high to high heat to achieve a nice sear on the chicken and vegetables.
  • Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep the vegetables crisp by stir-frying them just until tender.
  • Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the saltiness or sweetness to your preference by adding more soy sauce or sugar.
  • Swap the Protein: You can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or even pork.
  • Add Spice: If you like heat, add a teaspoon of chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Recipe Variations for Sha Cha Chicken

Here are 10 variations to try with Sha Cha Chicken:

  1. Sha Cha Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
  2. Beef Sha Cha Stir-Fry: Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.
  3. Vegetarian Sha Cha Stir-Fry: Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms and increase the vegetables.
  4. Spicy Sha Cha Chicken: Add chili paste or fresh chili slices to the sauce for extra heat.
  5. Peanut Sha Cha Chicken: Toss in a handful of roasted peanuts for added crunch.
  6. Cashew Sha Cha Chicken: Add cashews for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
  7. Sha Cha Noodles: Stir in cooked noodles to create a hearty one-pan meal.
  8. Eggplant Sha Cha Stir-Fry: Include sliced eggplant for a different vegetable medley.
  9. Sha Cha Fried Rice: Toss Sha Cha Chicken with rice for an easy fried rice dish.
  10. Low-Carb Sha Cha Chicken: Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles for a low-carb option.

Freezing and Storage for Sha Cha Chicken

  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment for Sha Cha Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

  • Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for stir-frying ingredients evenly.
  • Tongs or Spatula: For tossing and stirring during cooking.
  • Sharp Knife: To cut the chicken and vegetables into even pieces.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring sauces and seasonings.
  • Rice Cooker: Perfect for preparing the rice to serve alongside.

Frequently Asked Questions for Sha Cha Chicken

  1. What is Sha Cha sauce?
    Sha Cha sauce is a savory Chinese condiment made from soybeans, garlic, shallots, and dried seafood, often referred to as “Chinese barbecue sauce.”
  2. Can I make this dish spicy?
    Yes, you can add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or fresh chili slices for extra heat.
  3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
    Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
  4. What other proteins can I use?
    Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu work wonderfully in place of chicken.
  5. Where can I find Sha Cha sauce?
    Sha Cha sauce is available in most Asian grocery stores or online. Look for brands like Bull Head or Lee Kum Kee.

Conclusion

Sha Cha Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, smoky taste of Sha Cha sauce elevates this stir-fry, creating a savory, umami-packed experience with every bite. This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve at family gatherings or dinner parties. Asian-inspired feast, this stir-fry is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Serve it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!

You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, Sha Cha Chicken is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine.

I’d love to see your take on this delicious recipe! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your version of this tasty dish. Happy cooking!