Tai Chien Chicken is a famous dish in Taiwan. It is most commonly found in night markets or on the streets of Taiwan.
Tai Chien Chicken was introduced to Taiwanese people by Chinese immigrants during the 17th century.
Tai Chien Chicken has two unique flavors: sweet and salty, that can be achieved with soy sauce and salt, respectively.
The most common ingredients are chicken, ginger, garlic, sugar, tomato ketchup which makes up the sweet flavor, while pepper powder or ground black pepper is added for the salty taste.
How to Make Tai Chien Chicken?
Ingredients
- Chicken marinated with ginger and garlic (for the sweet flavor)
- Black pepper powder or ground black pepper (for the salty taste)
- Salt
- Tomato ketchup
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying chicken cubes or drumsticks and wings (optional)
- White rice to serve as a side dish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the cubed or drumstick and chicken wings with ginger and garlic.
Step 2: Pour salt into a bowl, add ground black pepper, and then tomato ketchup. Mix them well until they are well combined.
Step 3: Add the chicken cubes or drumsticks and wings into this mixture. Leave them to soak in the mix for 30 minutes. For a sweeter taste, marinate them for a more extended period (for example, overnight).
Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil for deep-frying. Deep-fry the chicken cubes or drumsticks and wings until they turn golden brown. Put them on a plate covered with a paper towel to soak up the excess oil.
Step 5: Put some cooked white rice in a bowl, and then place some deep-fried Tai Chien Chicken on top of it, serve while they are hot.
Step 6: Enjoy eating Tai Chien Chicken along with some white rice.
Nutrition Fact
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1.3 oz (39 g) |
| Calories | 212 |
| Fat | 3.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 374 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16.4 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
6 Incredible Healthy Nutrition of Tai Chien Chicken
1. Chicken is high in protein
Tai Chien Chicken is made from chicken. Chicken contains an abundance of protein essential for the growth and development of the body. Protein helps build muscle, bones, and other tissues in the human body.
Protein also helps to maintain these components in the body. Protein aids in reducing hunger pangs, thus preventing overeating and weight gain.
2. Tomato ketchup is a good source of vitamin C
Tai Chien Chicken contains a relatively significant amount of tomato ketchup. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports the immune system and moderates the effect of stress on our bodies.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that defends cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.
It also improves skin health and helps in the wound healing process. It prevents scurvy, commonly observed among sailors who had no access to fruits and vegetables during long voyages in the past.
3. Chicken has high amounts of zinc
Zinc helps maintain collagen in the body, a protein that makes up the tissues and aids in tissue repair.
Zinc is also responsible for maintaining the immune system and acts as a co-factor for enzyme production.
On a healthy diet, zinc is found in abundance in most foods. However, zinc deficiency can lead to poor growth rate, muscular weakness, and various debilitating diseases and disorders, including goiters and hair loss called hypogonadism.
4. Chicken also contains a fair amount of vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is essential for the formation of red blood cells, maintenance of the nervous and immune systems, and growth and development of the body. It aids in maintaining the health and well-being of the skin.
5. Chicken is high in carotenoids and exceptionally very high in lutein
Carotenoids are essential antioxidants due to these substances being responsible for the light-colored color of fruit and vegetables.
Carotenoids protect the eyes, phytosterols (plant-based foods), and vitamin C (vegetables) from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids that have a potent effect in protecting the eyes from cataracts, macular degeneration, and age-related macular degeneration.
6. Chicken is low on saturated fat
Saturated fat is a type of fat found in animal products where the fatty acid is between 6 and 10 carbon atoms and cannot be broken down further. Saturated fat is known to raise cholesterol levels in the body.
How Can Serve This Tai Chicken?
Tai Chien Chicken can be served as a main dish or a snack. This is an excellent appetizer for parties or meals. It is best served with some rice and other side dishes. Use frozen chicken thighs, drumsticks, and wings to save time on deep-frying.
If you are preparing this Tai chicken Recipe for your kids, add some corn flour or corn starch into the marinade to make this dish more colorful, nutritious, and delicious.
Can Kids Eat Tai Chien Chicken?
Tai Chien Chicken is a very delicious dish that children will love it. However, some parents may need to prepare them for their kids differently so the chicken will be more tender.
Some people believe that freezing the chicken for about one or two hours before cooking can help to make it more delicate when it is deep-fried.
How Long Does Tai Chien Chicken Last?
Tai Chien Chicken can last from 3 to 4 days at room temperature and 1 day in the refrigerator. Properly store this dish in a container to avoid it from drying out. If frozen, Tai Chien Chicken can be preserved for a more extended time. In this case, it is better to thaw the chicken at room temperature or microwave before serving.
Have Any Side Effects of Tai Chien Chicken?
Tai Chien Chicken is a very healthy dish. However, it should be avoided if you are allergic to any ingredients used in this dish. Do not eat this dish if you have any food allergies or illnesses.
Is Tai Chien Chicken Gluten Free?
Tai Chien Chicken is gluten free. It is made from marinated chicken cubes. This dish does not contain wheat flour, yeast, and gluten ingredients.
Bottom Line
Tai Chien Chicken is an excellent recipe you need to try. It is a healthy, delicious, and colorful dish. With the combination of ginger and garlic, this dish makes an excellent appetizer for parties or meals. You can also serve it with white rice to experience the exquisite flavors of this dish.
