If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you must have heard of House Special Chicken. This dish has become a staple in many Chinese restaurants across the world due to its unique flavors and textures. But what exactly is House Special Chicken, and what makes it so special? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this delicious dish, from its history to its nutrition facts.
Table of Contents
What is House Special Chicken?
House Special Chicken, also known as General Tso’s Chicken, is a Chinese-American dish that originated in the Hunan province of China. The dish is made of deep-fried chicken pieces that are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce is made of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and dried chili peppers. The chicken is typically served with steamed rice.
History of House Special Chicken
The origin of House Special Chicken is a bit of a mystery. Some believe that the dish was created in the 19th century by a Hunanese general named Tso Tsung-t’ang. Others believe that the dish was created by a Taiwanese chef named Peng Chang-kuei, who was working in New York City in the 1970s. Regardless of its origin, House Special Chicken quickly became popular in Chinese-American restaurants across the United States. Today, it’s one of the most popular dishes on Chinese restaurant menus in the United States and around the world.
What Makes House Special Chicken So Special?
There are many factors that make House Special Chicken so special. For one, the combination of sweet and spicy flavors is incredibly addictive. The crispy texture of the chicken also adds to the overall experience. Additionally, the dish is incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer or as a main course.
How to Make House Special Chicken
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making House Special Chicken at home. Here’s a simple recipe that you can try: Ingredients: – 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – 1/2 cup cornstarch – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – 1 egg, beaten – Oil, for frying – 1/4 cup soy sauce – 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce – 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – 2 tablespoons sugar – 1 tablespoon cornstarch – 1 tablespoon sesame oil – 1 green onion, chopped – 1 garlic clove, minced – 1 teaspoon grated ginger – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Instructions: 1. In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. 2. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg and then coat with the cornstarch mixture. 3. Heat the oil in a wok or deep-fryer to 375°F. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, green onion, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. 5. Pour the sauce into a wok or large skillet and cook over medium heat until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. 6. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. 7. Serve with steamed rice.
House Special Chicken Nutrition Facts
While House Special Chicken is undoubtedly delicious, it’s not the healthiest dish out there. Here are the nutrition facts for a typical serving of House Special Chicken: – Calories: 1,100 – Fat: 60 grams – Carbohydrates: 98 grams – Protein: 46 grams – Sodium: 2,200 milligrams – Sugar: 40 grams As you can see, House Special Chicken is high in calories, fat, and sodium. If you’re watching your weight or trying to eat healthier, it’s best to enjoy this dish in moderation.
Question and Answer
Q: Is House Special Chicken spicy? A: Yes, House Special Chicken is typically spicy due to the use of dried chili peppers in the sauce. However, the level of spiciness can vary depending on the restaurant or recipe. Q: Is House Special Chicken gluten-free? A: It depends on the recipe and ingredients used. House Special Chicken is typically made with soy sauce, which contains gluten. However, some restaurants and recipes may use gluten-free soy sauce or other alternative ingredients.
Response of People Who Know House Special Chicken
House Special Chicken has a devoted following among Chinese food lovers. Many people rave about the dish’s unique flavors and textures, and some even consider it their favorite Chinese dish. On the other hand, some people find the dish too sweet or too spicy for their taste.
Conclusion
House Special Chicken is a delicious and popular Chinese-American dish that has become a staple in many Chinese restaurants. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer or as a main course, the combination of sweet and spicy flavors and crispy chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. While it’s not the healthiest dish out there, it’s certainly worth indulging in once in a while.
