SALT AND CHILLI CHICKEN

Homemade Chinese Fakeaway: A Slimming World Delight

If you’re craving Chinese takeout but want to stick to your Slimming World plan, this homemade Chinese fakeaway is the perfect solution. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed guilt-free. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal that fits into your Extra Easy plan. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delightful dish, explore its health benefits, and discover ways to customize it to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

To start, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making them a great choice for a healthy meal. They’re low in fat and high in essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium.
• 2 eggs: Eggs provide protein and help bind the coating to the chicken. They also add richness and flavor to the dish.
• Smash (dried potato mix): Smash is a convenient and low-syn option for creating a crispy coating. It’s made from dehydrated potatoes and can be found in most supermarkets.
• 1 green pepper, sliced: Green peppers add color, crunch, and a dose of vitamins A and C to the dish.
• 1 onion, sliced: Onions bring sweetness and depth of flavor to the fakeaway. They’re also a good source of antioxidants and fiber.
• 1 chili, sliced: Chili adds a bit of heat and excitement to the dish. It’s rich in capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and provide other health benefits.
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: Sea salt enhances the flavors and adds a bit of seasoning to the coating.

Method:

Follow these simple steps to create your homemade Chinese fakeaway:

Step 1: Preparing the Coating

Begin by preparing the coating for the chicken. Pour some Smash onto a plate and add a teaspoon of coarse sea salt. Mix the salt through the Smash to ensure it’s evenly distributed. The Smash will give the chicken a crispy and delicious coating that mimics the texture of fried chicken without the excess fat and calories.

Step 2: Coating the Chicken

Take your strips of chicken and dip them into a bowl of beaten eggs. The egg acts as a binder, helping the Smash mixture adhere to the chicken. Once the chicken is well-coated with the egg, roll it in the Smash mixture until it’s completely covered. Repeat this process until all the chicken strips are coated.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Place the coated chicken strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Cook the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Step 4: Preparing the Vegetables

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the green pepper, onion, and chili. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and spray it with Frylight or another low-calorie cooking spray. Add the sliced vegetables to the pan and sauté them until they’re tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should retain some of their crunch to add texture to the dish.

Step 5: Bringing It All Together

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful. Serve the crispy chicken strips alongside the sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Step 6: Serving Suggestions

To enhance your Chinese fakeaway experience, consider serving the chicken and vegetables with a side of steamed rice or cauliflower rice. You can also add a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or a homemade Slimming World-friendly sweet and sour sauce. Garnish the dish with sliced spring onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Health Benefits:

This Chinese fakeaway offers several health benefits, making it a great addition to your Slimming World meal plan:

1. Lean Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
2. Low in Syns: By using Smash as a coating and baking the chicken instead of frying it, you significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish. This makes it a lower-syn option that fits well into the Extra Easy plan.
3. Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: The green pepper, onion, and chili add a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the meal. These nutrients support immune function, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being.
4. Healthy Cooking Methods: Baking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables with a low-calorie cooking spray ensures that the dish remains healthy and light. These cooking methods preserve the nutrients in the ingredients while minimizing the use of added fats.

Customization Ideas:

One of the best things about this Chinese fakeaway is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize the dish and keep your meals exciting:

1. Different Proteins: While chicken is a great option, you can also use other lean proteins such as turkey, tofu, or prawns. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
2. Variety of Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match different vegetables to suit your taste. Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms are all excellent additions that can add flavor, color, and nutrition to the dish.
3. Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chilies. You can also experiment with different types of peppers, such as bell peppers for a milder flavor or habaneros for an extra kick.
4. Flavor Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like coriander or basil for an aromatic touch. A splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can also elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
5. Dipping Sauces: Create a variety of Slimming World-friendly dipping sauces to complement the chicken. Options include a light soy sauce dip, a tangy yogurt-based dip, or a spicy sriracha dip.

Conclusion:

This homemade Chinese fakeaway is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of takeout while staying on track with your Slimming World plan. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and highly customizable. By following these simple steps and incorporating your favorite ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that satisfies your cravings without the guilt. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, this fakeaway is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy a delicious Chinese-inspired meal tonight!