Have you ever been staring at a Chinese restaurant menu and spotted “Princess Chicken” nestled between familiar favorites like General Tso’s and Sweet and Sour Chicken? Maybe you’ve wondered what this mysteriously named dish actually is. Well, I’ve been there too, and I’m here to solve this culinary mystery once and for all!
The Basic Definition: What Actually IS Princess Chicken?
Princess Chicken is a delightful dish consisting of tender pieces of chicken that are typically breaded and either pan-fried or baked until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior. The result? A meal with an irresistibly crispy outside and juicy, tender inside that’s fit for royalty (hence the name)!
But there’s actually more than one version of Princess Chicken out there:
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The Classic Chinese-American Version Diced chicken pieces that are fried and cooked with button mushrooms and peanuts creating a savory dish with wonderful texture contrasts.
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The Breaded Chicken Version Similar to dishes like chicken Milanese or schnitzel, this interpretation features boneless chicken (usually breast meat) that’s breaded and cooked to crispy perfection
Interestingly, there’s no single “correct” version – Princess Chicken varies depending on regional influences and the chef’s interpretation!
The Origins: Where Did Princess Chicken Come From?
The story behind Princess Chicken isn’t written in stone, but there are a few compelling theories:
What we do know is that Princess Chicken from Sichuan province in China has a milder flavor profile compared to other Chinese dishes, making it a great option for those who prefer less spicy food.
Princess Chicken vs. General Tso’s Chicken: The Royal Rivalry
If you’re confusing Princess Chicken with General Tso’s Chicken, you’re not alone! Here’s how they differ:
| Feature | Princess Chicken | General Tso’s Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Typically pan-fried | Usually deep-fried |
| Flavor Profile | Milder, sweet and sour | Spicier with ginger and garlic |
| Sauce Thickness | Lighter sauce | Thicker, richer sauce |
| Vegetables | Varies, often with bell peppers, carrots and onions | May include broccoli and carrots |
| Origin | Associated with Sichuan province | Linked to Hunan province |
| Heat Level | Mild with subtle flavors | Bold with noticeable spice |
The Core Elements of a Great Princess Chicken
Whether you’re making it at home or ordering it at a restaurant, here are the essential components of Princess Chicken:
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Quality Chicken: Typically boneless chicken breasts or thighs that are either diced (for the Chinese version) or left whole and pounded thin (for the breaded version)
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Proper Breading (for the breaded version): Usually involves a three-step process of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs
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The Perfect Cooking Method: Either pan-frying in a moderate amount of oil or baking in the oven
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Complementary Flavors: For the Chinese version, this means ingredients like mushrooms, peanuts, bell peppers, and a balanced sauce
How to Make Princess Chicken at Home
I tried making Princess Chicken at home last weekend, and it was actually way easier than I expected! Here’s my simplified method:
For the Chinese-Style Princess Chicken:
- Prep the chicken: Cut boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Marinate: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger-garlic paste, and cornstarch
- Coat and fry: Dust chicken with cornstarch and fry until golden
- Make the sauce: Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili (if you want)
- Bring it together: Stir-fry mushrooms, peanuts, and veggies, then add the chicken and sauce
For the Breaded Princess Chicken:
- Prepare the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness
- Set up breading station: Flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate dishes
- Bread the chicken: Dredge in flour, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs
- Cook: Either pan-fry in oil until golden (about 3-4 minutes per side) or bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes
- Rest and serve: Let it rest briefly before cutting to keep juices inside
Common Questions About Princess Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are actually more flavorful and juicier, though they may need slightly longer cooking time.
What’s the best breadcrumbs to use?
Panko breadcrumbs give amazing crispiness, but Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add nice flavor. We’ve even tried crushed Ritz crackers which was surprisingly delicious!
Help! My breading keeps falling off!
Make sure your chicken is dry before starting. Also, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and letting it sit for a few minutes before cooking helps them stick better.
Can I make Princess Chicken healthier?
Try baking instead of frying, using whole-wheat breadcrumbs, or even cooking it in an air fryer for similar crispiness with less oil.
What sides go well with Princess Chicken?
For the Chinese version, steamed rice is perfect. For the breaded version, try mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Why Princess Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
I think Princess Chicken is one of those versatile dishes that deserves more recognition. It’s:
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the mild flavors
- Adaptable: You can adjust spices and accompaniments to suit your taste
- Impressive: Despite being relatively simple, it looks and tastes like you put in major effort
- Satisfying: That perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior is hard to beat
The Final Verdict
Whether you prefer the Chinese-American version with its mushrooms and peanuts or the breaded version with its golden crust, Princess Chicken offers a delicious alternative to more familiar chicken dishes.
Next time you’re scanning a Chinese restaurant menu or looking for a new chicken recipe to try at home, give Princess Chicken a chance! It might not have the fame of General Tso’s, but its more subtle flavors and royal heritage make it a dish worth discovering.
This article was updated September 2025 with new information and recipe variations.
