If you’re craving a dish that combines the rich history of Chinese imperial cuisine with the convenience of a quick weeknight meal, this Chinese Imperial Chicken recipe is your answer.

Inspired by the flavors of Sichuan and the elegance of royal banquets, this dish delivers tender chicken pieces enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, complemented by the crunch of red bell peppers.

Served over aromatic garlic-infused jasmine rice, it’s a meal that brings the opulence of the imperial court to your dining table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe?

You’ll love this Chinese Imperial Chicken recipe because it brings bold, rich flavors to your plate without demanding hours in the kitchen.

The tender chicken soaks up a savory-sweet sauce that’s perfectly balanced with hints of garlic, ginger, and sesame. Every bite feels like a taste of something special—something once reserved for royalty.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Plus, with the fragrant garlic rice and crisp bell peppers, this dish is a complete, satisfying meal that always leaves me reaching for seconds.

How To Prepare Chinese Imperial Chicken Recipe?

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Main Course

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Chinese (Sichuan-inspired)

Yield: 4 servings

🧰 Equipment Needed

Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wok or large skillet
Medium saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

🛒 Ingredients

For the Garlic Rice:

2 cups jasmine rice
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or grapeseed/peanut oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2½ cups water or chicken broth
½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Chicken and Sauce:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or grapeseed/peanut oil)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or Chinese cooking wine

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Rice

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the rinsed rice, water (or broth), and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
In the same wok, add the red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

4. Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the bell peppers. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

5. Serve

Spoon the garlic rice into bowls or onto plates. Top with the imperial chicken mixture. Serve hot.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions For Chinese Imperial Chicken Recipe?

Pair this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for added greens.
A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar complements the rich flavors.
For a complete meal, serve with a bowl of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup.

💡 Tips and Variations

Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef slices for variety.
Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate snow peas, baby corn, or sliced carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili for heat.
Velveting Technique: For extra tender chicken, marinate the pieces in a mixture of egg white, cornstarch, and a splash of rice wine for 30 minutes before cooking. This traditional Chinese method, known as “velveting,” ensures moist and tender meat.

🥗 Health Benefits

Lean Protein: Chicken breast provides a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Antioxidants: Red bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that support immune health.
Heart Health: Using healthy oils like avocado or grapeseed oil contributes to heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.
Digestive Aid: Ginger not only adds flavor but also aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

How To Store Chinese Imperial Chicken Recipe?

To store Chinese Imperial Chicken Recipe properly, I always let it cool completely before packing it away. Once cooled, I transfer it into an airtight container to keep the flavors sealed in. In the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days.

If I want to store it longer, I freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, labeled with the date. It lasts well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When I’m ready to reheat, I warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back the sauce’s smooth texture, or I microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. For the best experience, I always reheat the rice separately so everything tastes as good as when I first made it.

📝 Note

This recipe is a modern take on traditional Chinese imperial flavors, adapted for the home cook seeking a quick yet flavorful meal. The combination of savory, sweet, and aromatic elements captures the essence of dishes once reserved for royalty.

🏁 Conclusion

Bringing the taste of Chinese imperial Chicken Recipe cuisine to your kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a dish that’s both rich in flavor and history.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this Chinese Imperial Chicken is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the royal flavors tonight!