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Salted Egg Yolk Chicken

Tender chicken coated in a rich, savory salted egg yolk sauce with a slight sweetness. A viral trending dish with complex umami flavors.

35 minMediumServes 4420 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 salted egg yolks, mashed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large shallot, sliced thinly
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (optional), grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, cook the 1.5 lbs cut into bite-sized pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs until golden on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In the same skillet, melt the 2 tbsp unsalted butter and add the 1 large sliced thinly shallot and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, mix the 4 mashed salted egg yolks, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 cup chicken broth together.

  4. 4

    Pour the egg yolk mixture into the skillet and whisk well. Add the 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to thicken if desired.

  5. 5

    Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the rich sauce. Simmer until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

  6. 6

    Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional) if desired. Serve with steamed rice.

Questions

Can I make Salted Egg Yolk Chicken dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (optional), grated. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Salted Egg Yolk Chicken keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Salted Egg Yolk Chicken?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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