Hello, winner! Wanna have chicken for dinner? Take the little quiz below to find out what kind of chicken dish might give you a pleasant surprise!

Q1: Welcome to the Global Chicken Dishes tour, may I see your ticket? Let’s see, your destination would be based on how you like your chicken

1. Crispy ➡➡➡➡ Go to Q2
2. Juicy ➡➡➡➡ Go to Q3
3. Firm ➡➡➡➡ Go to Q4
4. Creamy ➡➡➡➡ Go to Q5

Q2: Nothing is more musical than a crunchy symphony of fried chicken skin. No more waiting, you start to:

1. Hit the drum and drop some beats – rich flavor and thick skin ➡ Destination A
2. Let the violin sing like pearls falling into dusk – light, delicate, and refreshing ➡ Destination B

Q3: Unexpected juicy is a surprise interlude in the chicken carnival, you are so glad that you:

1. Try winning big prizes at paintball gun shooting – special sauce and fully seasoned ➡ Destination C
2. Meet a long-lost friend on the carousel  – original, pure but not simple ➡ Destination D

Q4: Your travel has brought you to exotic lands you have never seen before, you raise your camera and take a picture of:

1. A scenic street full people and their culture – unique flavor with a balance of different spicy ➡ Destination E
2. Breezy mountains with blooming fields – less is more ➡ Destination F

Q5: You slowly open the tent and walk out, amazed by the face of nature, you feel so comfortable that you:

1. Call your group of friends and gather under the stars – collision of flavors ➡ Destination G
2. Travel alone in the snow-covered wilderness – warm and aromatic ➡ Destination H

Destination A

The undisputed main character of Korean fried chicken is its unique sauce. Whether it boasts a fiery chilli flavor, a savory soy sauce infusion, or tantalizing garlic. The thick sauce harmoniously blends with the succulent chicken juices, tightly encased by the crispy skin, resulting in an explosive burst of flavors that bring immense satisfaction to those indulging in it.

The widespread appeal of Korean fried chicken is such that it often takes a role in Korean film and television productions, weaving the essence of simple joys in daily life. For instance, the beloved 2013 TV series “My Love From Another Star” featured a memorable scene where the heroine expressed the tradition of serving fried chicken with beer when witnessing the first snowfall. Similarly, in the 2019 movie “Extreme Job” several undercover policemen unexpectedly found immense success in their operation by selling fried chicken. 

These instances reflect people’s deep connection with fried chicken – a simple act of opening a food box, savoring a delectable piece of fried chicken, and embracing the love for life.

Destination B 

If you crave the delightful crispiness of fried chicken without the burden of a heavy coating, then Karaage fried chicken from Japan might just be the perfect choice for you. Imagine finishing work or school on an early winter evening, strolling down the road back home, and stumbling upon a small shop where you can purchase a delectable piece of Karaage fried chicken. Holding it in your hand and relishing every bite while walking, the fragrant aroma trailing behind you in the crisp evening air, it becomes the ultimate self-reward, a healing balm after a challenging day.

Other frying methods like “素揚げ”, or, frying ingredients without any coating, are predominantly used for vegetables. Like tempura, it features an incredibly light and thin batter made from gluten flour and eggs. 

The specialty of Karaage fried chicken deviates from the use of batter, employing dry wheat flour or potato starch instead. This technique eschews a heavy coating while effectively retaining the juiciness within the chicken, resulting in tender and elastic meat. By skillfully utilizing the principles of addition and subtraction in the cooking process, Karaage fried chicken manages to preserve and enhance the authentic taste and aroma of the chicken. This ability to balance and enhance flavors is the magical essence that sets Karaage Fried Chicken apart.

Destination C

Teriyaki chicken is a ubiquitous dish found in many restaurants, and a well-executed version of it captures our attention with its enticing appearance. The chicken is enveloped in a luscious sauce that entices us, and as we take each bite, the sauce-coated chicken releases its succulent juices, creating a truly indulgent flavor experience.

During the cooking process of Teriyaki Chicken, a generous amount of teriyaki sauce is applied to the chicken’s outer layer. As the chicken is fried or roasted, the sauce undergoes concentration due to the loss of water, subtly transforming its various components. The soy sauce not only contributes to the savory umami flavor, which is a result of fermentation but also deepens the chicken’s color, making it visually more appealing. When heated, the sugar in the sauce rapidly condenses on the chicken’s surface, sealing in its moisture while imparting an enhanced aroma to the dish. The addition of sake or mirin in the teriyaki sauce imparts a memorable taste to the overall flavor profile. The alcohol helps eliminate any lingering odors from the chicken while intensifying its aroma. Furthermore, it aids in firming up the protein, resulting in a more tender and springy texture for the chicken.

If you’re eager to experience the deliciousness of teriyaki chicken firsthand, here is a recipe for the teriyaki sauce: Simple Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (allrecipes.com). Give it a try and embark on a culinary adventure!

Destination D

Although the name “Hainan” refers to a place in China, Hainan Chicken Rice is actually a popular dish from Singapore. It is renowned for its succulent chicken that retains the original fragrance and tenderness, offering a pure experience for the taste buds. Both the chicken and the rice in Hainanese Chicken Rice hold their own secrets, contributing to the dish’s unique appeal.

The chicken in Hainan Chicken Rice is prepared using a blanching technique. Instead of boiling the chicken in continuous heat, it is soaked and cooked using the residual heat in the pot after the water has reached a boiling point. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly while preventing excessive heat from squeezing out its juices. After cooking, the chicken is quickly placed in ice water, causing the skin to contract rapidly, resulting in a crispy texture and effectively sealing in the flavorful juices.

The seemingly humble rice in this dish plays a significant role in showcasing the richness of the chicken. The rice used in Hainan Chicken Rice is cooked with chicken oil. Once the rice is cooked, chicken oil is added and heated until the two components blend harmoniously. This process gives the rice a glossy appearance and each mouthful carries the aromatic essence of the chicken.

The juicy chicken, combined with rice that has absorbed the essence of the chicken and accompanied by a slightly tangy dipping sauce, creates a refreshing and authentic culinary experience. This dish allows diners to fully appreciate the pure deliciousness of chicken in its most unadulterated form.

Destination E

The appearance distinction of tandoori grilled chicken from India compared to other chicken dishes lies in its red color, which signifies marination in a well-balanced blend of spices and yogurt. The word “tandoor” refers to an earthen kiln, and tandoori chicken refers to chicken that is roasted in such kiln.

Yogurt, though not commonly used in chicken dishes, plays an essential role in the marinade for tandoori chicken. The active bacteria present in yogurt tenderize the meat fibers without altering the chicken’s original flavor, resulting in a chewy yet juicy texture. Additionally, the taste of yogurt acts as a bridge that brings together the diverse spices, harmonizing the intense spiciness and creating a balanced and exquisite flavor composition.

When enjoy tandoori chicken, the aroma of the spice blend instantly fills the air, followed by the red color tone of the chicken. Upon tasting, one can experience the satisfyingly elastic texture and the explosion of rich flavors. This culinary experience offers a multisensory delight that compels people to savor it repeatedly, indulging in its irresistible allure.

Destination F

Coconut chicken could be a kind of hot pot that offers not only refreshment and deliciousness but also a healthy culinary choice. The base of the coconut chicken hot pot consists entirely of sweet coconut water, in which fresh chicken pieces and tender coconut meat are added for a brief simmer. As soon as the pot begins to boil, savoring a bowl of hot clear soup becomes the initial step. The translucent broth carries a pronounced coconut fragrance intertwined with the aroma of chicken, akin to a pristine spring flowing down the throat, enveloping the entire body with warmth and preparing the palate for the coconut chicken feast.

Before indulging in the chicken, the dipping sauce is prepared, comprising soy sauce, sand ginger, and small green oranges. This condiment perfectly complements the refreshing flavors and adds a delightful tingling sensation to the taste buds. With each bite of the tenderly stewed chicken, one can relish the freshness of the poultry and the subtle sweetness of the coconut. Even after the meal, a delicate aroma lingers gracefully in the throat, leaving a lasting impression.

The birthplace of coconut chicken is Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis in modern China where young individuals strive for career success and economic prosperity. Amidst the high-intensity work environment, people yearn for nourishing dishes that provide solace. Coconut chicken fits this role perfectly, offering a respite from alcohol-laden and greasy post-work dinners. Whether gathering with friends or savoring it alone, immersing oneself in the steamy pot allows the day’s stresses to dissipate like bubbles in the pot. Amidst the alluring scent of coconut and the delightful flavors of the chicken, one finds the energy to embrace the challenges of tomorrow.

Destination G

Originating from China, the renowned dish of Big Plate Chicken offers a generous serving size accompanied by a hearty soup. It is a culinary delight designed for sharing with loved ones. As the tenderly stewed chicken meets the palate, it dissolves into a rich soup, infused with a harmonious blend of multiple spices that enhance its umami characteristics. The addition of soft potatoes and green peppers creates a vibrant medley of flavors, reminiscent of a lively bonfire gathering on the tongue.

The umami taste of Big Plate Chicken involves a scientific aspect, where its distinctive feature lies in the stewing of chicken and potatoes together. Individually, the chicken contains inosinate, and the potatoes contain glutamate, both of which contribute modestly to the overall taste. However, when combined, these two ingredients synergistically intensify the umami flavor, resulting in a delightful burst of taste. 

The thick and chewy wide noodles, when mixed with the flavorsome broth of the Big Plate Chicken, offer a delightful sensation as each ingredient melds in the mouth. This harmonious amalgamation of flavors evokes a sense of excitement, emphasizing the warmth and vibrancy shared among people, akin to an eagerly anticipated embrace.

Destination H

Coq au Vin is a beloved French country dish renowned for its rich flavors. The inclusion of red wine not only lends a complex aroma but also works its magic in tenderizing the chicken. By briefly searing the chicken skin before a long, slow simmer, the fragrant essence of the chicken fat is released, while the precious juices are locked within. As the chicken undergoes the gentle stewing process, it becomes velvety and tender, intertwining with the luscious broth to provide a comforting warmth for those who indulge in it.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of work and daily life, when was the last time you treated yourself to a delicately prepared dish? Learning to cherish and nurture oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. As the Coq au Vin simmers away, the enchanting aromas of chicken, wine, and spices gradually permeate your kitchen, your home, and your senses. Even before the dish is ready to be served, anticipation fills the air. So, let’s delve into this Coq au Vin recipe Traditional French Coq au Vin Recipe – 2023 – MasterClass. May your appetite be satisfied and your enjoyment abundant today!