Flower Chicken Chinese is a chicken dish that consists primarily of Chicken stir-fried with cabbage and vermicelli noodles in a sweet and sour sauce.
It’s native to Southern China and is traditionally served at the Mid-autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in China’s lunar calendar.
The recipe that most people refer to as “Flower Chicken” is LaDou, which was first published in the Guangdong Cuisine Cookbook in 2005.
This recipe is made with Cantonese-style Chicken and includes vermicelli noodles. Some recipes have the Chicken marinated in a soy sauce and cornstarch mixture before stir-frying, while other recipes show it being cooked with the cornstarch paste already present on the noodles.
How to make Flower Chicken Chinese
Flower Chicken is not a very well-known dish in the United States and other Western countries. However,
it has gained a small amount of popularity on the Internet and made some appearances on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” with Iron Chef Michael Symon as one of the secret ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bunch of scallions
- chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pack of vermicelli noodles (12 ounces)
- 1 head of cabbage, shredded
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook rice noodles in a pot of boiling water for 2~3 minutes. Because the rice noodles are not pre-cooked, please note that it will take longer to cook than pasta.
The noodles should be cooked until soft and chewy—not complicated or crunchy. You can also substitute vermicelli with fettuccine, spaghetti, or udon noodles for this recipe.
Step 2: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a wok or large skillet. Add Chicken, scallions, and cabbage and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add rice wine (or chicken broth) and soy sauce (or rice wine). Mix well.
Step 4: Stir in the sugar and salt until sugar melts, then add cornstarch mixture until the sauce is thickened and glossy. Set aside while you cook noodles.
Step 5: Drain the rice noodles and rinse with cold water.
Step 6: Toss the noodles with soy sauce (or vinegar) to prevent them from clumping together.
Step 7: Add half of the noodles to the chicken mixture, then add the remaining half on top (covering the top layer). Cook for another 3 minutes.
Step 8: Turn off heat and toss well with two pairs of tongs, then sprinkle with chopped green onion if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition facts of Flower Chicken Chinese
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 224 |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Sodium | 901mg |
7 Health benefits of Flower Chicken Chinese
Like any other food, there are plenty of health benefits to eating Chicken. However, did you know that there are also many benefits to eating Flower Chicken Chinese?
Chinese-Style Chicken is often misunderstood and underappreciated. This is mostly because it’s been used as a filling for dumplings, soup, or sometimes as a soup.
Here are some fantabulous health benefits of eating flower chicken Chinese:
1. Bone Strengthening
Flower chicken is very low in calories compared to other poultry, but it is rich in protein and has a similar protein content to beef.
It contains 6-10% protein by weight compared to 15-20% in lean beef. It is quick to digest and has very high BCAAs content.
BCAAs stands for branched-chain amino acids, a group of 20 amino acids with the single difference of a single methyl group.
BCAAs have increased muscle protein synthesis, which is essential for building muscle and increasing overall lean muscle mass.
2. Low in Cholesterol
Flower chicken has less fat and cholesterol than beef, chicken breast, or other types of poultry. Not only that, but it also has a very low amount of saturated fat.
This is one of the reasons that it’s associated with lower risks of heart disease. As a whole, Chicken is very low in fat and saturated fat and has a low amount of cholesterol.
3. Low in Sodium
Flower chicken has one of the lowest amounts of sodium. It also has a low amount of salt compared to other poultry.
It has about half the sodium of beef and chicken breast. This makes it perfect for people with high blood pressure.
4. Weight Loss
Flower chicken is about 26% protein, making it a great weight-loss food. It’s a staple in some types of Chinese cooking. It has a lot of benefits, and promotes a healthy weight loss program.
5. Decreases Blood Sugar Level
Flower chicken may reduce blood sugar levels because of its high fiber content. People with diabetes or high blood sugar issues often eat more fiber than they should.
Because of its low glycemic index, flower chicken is a great way to manage diabetes. Flower chicken has a lower glycemic index than white meat, beef, pork, chicken, and seafood.
6. Full of Vitamins
Flower chicken is a good source of Vitamin A, B, C, and E. It also has a lot of Vitamin B12. It’s also a great source of iron, zinc, calcium, and other essential vitamins. It’s high in fiber, which is good for the digestive system.
7. Powerful Source of Omega-3
Flower chicken is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. It also has a high amount of heart-healthy fats. One serving of it has approximately 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.
Who Can Eat This Delicious Recipe?
Flower Chicken can be served to all people, whether healthy or in medical conditions. It is best to consume it as part of a healthy diet program that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
If you have diabetes, you should speak with your doctor before following a new diet plan.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With Flower Chicken?
Many people serve their flower chicken with rice or noodles, though it can also be potatoes or bread. A small amount of bell pepper slices can be added to the dish for additional flavor and color.
Can I Freeze It??
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve food to ensure it will last through the winter. It’s important to freeze food correctly so that it doesn’t lose too many nutrients in the process.
When freezing flower chicken, be sure to allow enough time for it to thaw before cooking and serving.
How Do I Properly Store This Food?
The recommended storage temperature for flower chicken is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. However, you can store it in the refrigerator at temperatures between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. When storing food in the freezer, please place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn, which can negatively impact the quality and taste of your frozen food.
Where Can I Buy It?
Flower chicken can be purchased at Asian markets and specialty food stores. You can also find this dish at nearly every Chinese takeout restaurant.
The Bottom Line
Flower Chicken is one of the most popular Chinese food recipes online. It has been enjoyed by many people over the years and is a healthy meal that can supply your body with several essential nutrients.
The prevalence of this recipe is evidence of its delicious flavor and ability to please everyone.
