Mandy Croft
Chicken with oyster sauce is a beloved dish across many kitchens, cherished for its rich umami flavor and comforting, sticky sauce. Whether you’re a busy home cook or an adventurous foodie, this simple recipe will elevate your chicken dinner into a delightful experience suitable for any occasion.
What Makes Oyster Sauce Chicken Special?
Oyster sauce, a thick, savory condiment made from oyster extracts, is the star ingredient that brings an irresistible depth to this dish. It infuses the chicken with a luscious, slightly sweet, and umami-packed glaze that makes every bite flavorful.
The magic of this recipe also lies in the classic Chinese aromatics—ginger, garlic, and scallions—that mingle with oyster sauce to create a perfectly balanced, aromatic, and savory sauce. The cooking technique often involves searing the chicken to lock in flavor and texture before gently braising it, allowing the sauce to thicken naturally without thickeners like cornstarch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on cuts like leg quarters, thighs, or drumsticks are ideal. The skin renders collagen that helps thicken the sauce beautifully during cooking. Avoid boneless, skinless breasts as they do not braise well.
- Aromatics: Fresh ginger slices, garlic cloves or slices, and scallions (white and green parts separated).
- Sauces and Seasonings: Oyster sauce (a good quality brand like Lee Kum Kee), light and dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine), white pepper, a pinch of sugar, and sesame oil for a fragrant finish.
- Liquid: Chicken stock or broth to simmer the chicken.
Optional: Dried chilies for a mild spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Rinse the chicken pieces and trim any excess fat. Heat neutral cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down to sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and lightly brown the other side.
2. Add Aromatics
Add sliced ginger, garlic, and the white parts of scallions to the pan. Sauté briefly until aromatic and slightly caramelized but be careful not to burn them.
3. Deglaze and Add Sauces
Pour in Shaoxing wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor. Then add chicken stock, oyster sauce, soy sauces, white pepper, a bit of sugar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
4. Braise the Chicken
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let the chicken braise for about 15 minutes. Turn the chicken over and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Thicken the Sauce
Remove the lid and turn the heat up to reduce the sauce until it thickly coats the back of a spoon. This process leverages the chicken’s skin and collagen instead of thickening agents.
6. Garnish and Serve
Add the green parts of scallions just before finishing cooking. Serve the chicken with its rich oyster sauce gravy over steamed white rice. Pair with stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy or garlicky broccoli for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
- Use skin-on chicken: The skin contributes to sauce thickness and adds texture.
- Don’t skip aromatics: Ginger, garlic, and scallions provide essential fragrance and depth.
- Avoid breast meat: It is leaner and less suited to braising, resulting in drier, less flavorful chicken.
- Gluten-free option: Choose gluten-free oyster sauce brands to accommodate dietary needs.
- Control sauce thickness: Simmer sauce uncovered to your preferred consistency rather than adding thickeners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This oyster sauce chicken is a perfect blend of intense, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that embody comfort and satisfaction. Its sticky, glossy sauce invites finger-licking indulgence and pairs wonderfully with simple sides for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Rich in protein, moderate in fats (with some saturated fat depending on the cut), and balanced with aromatic vegetables, it’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish that pleases both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over plain steamed jasmine or white rice to soak up the sauce.
- Complement with stir-fried greens like bok choy, gai lan, or broccoli.
- For a heartier meal, add a soup or lightly pickled vegetable salad on the side.
Enjoy making this delicious savory chicken with oyster sauce recipe that seamlessly combines simple ingredients and authentic flavors for a truly satisfying meal every time!
