Chang's Spicy Chicken from PF Chang's features tender chicken pieces tossed in a bold, spicy sauce with vibrant chili peppers and garlic, delivering a flavorful kick with a glossy, richly coated texture.
Equipments
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Wok or large skillet
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4-6 dried red chili peppers
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions
Ensure the chicken breasts are cut into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking and a tender texture. Use both cornstarch and all-purpose flour in the batter to achieve a crispy, glossy coating that holds the spicy sauce well. Fresh garlic and dried red chili peppers are crucial for authentic heat and depth of flavor; adjust the number of chilies to match your preferred spice level. Measure ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili paste accurately to maintain the balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in the sauce. Your homemade Chang's Spicy Chicken from PF Chang's copycat menu will deliver the bold, savory kick and vibrant coating characteristic of the original dish.
Instructions
- Prepare all equipment: gather chef’s knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, wok or large skillet, tongs, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups & spoons, paper towels, plate or tray.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
- Dredge chicken in egg, then coat with cornstarch mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through; transfer to plate lined with paper towels.
- Slice garlic and green onions; set aside.
- Add dried red chili peppers to wok, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add sliced garlic, cook briefly until fragrant.
- Return fried chicken to wok.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil.
- Pour sauce mixture into wok, toss to coat chicken.
- Stir-fry until sauce thickens and chicken is glossy.
- Add sliced green onions.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Chang's Spicy Chicken from PF Chang's copycat menu replicates the bold, spicy flavors and tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce with chili peppers and garlic. If dried red chili peppers are unavailable, you can substitute with fresh red chilies or a combination of chili flakes to maintain heat intensity. Use cornstarch and all-purpose flour as a coating for a crispy texture, but rice flour or potato starch can work as alternatives for gluten-free options. When measuring soy sauce or hoisin sauce, adjust according to your salt preference to avoid overpowering the dish. Your wok or large skillet should be preheated thoroughly to ensure the chicken crisps evenly without sticking.
Tips
For optimal texture, ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried with paper towels before dredging to help the cornstarch and flour adhere properly. When frying, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the wok, which can cause uneven cooking and soggy chicken. Monitor the heat carefully; medium-high heat is essential for a crispy exterior without burning the garlic and chili peppers. Your sauce mixture should be added only after the chicken is fried to maintain its glossy, rich coating and flavorful kick.
Nutritions
Chang's Spicy Chicken combines lean chicken breast, a good source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth, with a flavorful sauce enriched by garlic and chili peppers, both known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The dish includes cornstarch and flour for coating, which add carbohydrates, while the vegetable oil contributes fats that enhance energy content and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The presence of soy sauce and hoisin sauce introduces sodium, so monitoring intake can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Your meal delivers a balance of macronutrients and bioactive compounds, supporting both taste satisfaction and nutritional benefit.
Storage
Store any leftover Chang's Spicy Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain its bold flavors and tender texture. Consume within 3 to 4 days to ensure freshness and safety. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to preserve the glossy, richly coated sauce without drying out the chicken.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend without altering the cornstarch quantity. Adjust the heat level by using fewer dried red chili peppers or swapping sambal oelek with a milder chili paste like gochujang. To enhance the sauce's depth, incorporate a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder before tossing the chicken in the wok.
Allergies
Chang's Spicy Chicken may pose allergy risks due to soy sauce and hoisin sauce, both containing soy and wheat, common allergens. The inclusion of eggs, cornstarch, and garlic may also trigger sensitivities if you have specific food allergies. Always check labels and consult with restaurant staff to ensure your meal is safe for your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
Chang's Spicy Chicken from PF Chang's combines tender chicken with a bold, flavorful chili-garlic sauce that delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory richness. The dish features a unique blend of Asian spices that create an addictive taste profile, making it a favorite among spice lovers. You can recreate this iconic dish at home to enjoy an authentic restaurant-quality experience tailored to your preferred spice level. Mastering the copycat recipe is worth it for those seeking to impress guests or enjoy a convenient, delicious meal anytime.