Microwave Winter Melon Chicken
For busy dual-income households juggling work and school pick-ups, getting a quick, wholesome dinner on the table can be a challenge—especially on late workdays or when the commute is long. This Microwave Winter Melon Chicken is a 5-minute lifesaver. I keep a batch of pre-blanched chicken chunks in the fridge so it's ready to go: just arrange sliced winter melon on a plate, place the chicken on top, and microwave for about 5 minutes, until the melon is tender. Pour the sauce over, toss, and serve. The chicken stays tender and juicy, and because no oil is added, the dish is low in fat and calories—light enough to enjoy without guilt.
Ingredients
chicken drumsticks
3
winter melon
200g
water
1/2 bowl
light soy sauce
2 tbsp
oyster sauce
1 tbsp
sugar
1 tbsp
ginger
3 slices
scallions
to taste
minced garlic
3 cloves
salt
a pinch
Instructions
1
Step 1
Prepare the chicken drumsticks, wash them thoroughly, and cut into small pieces.
2
Step 2
Add a generous amount of water to a pot. Place the chicken pieces in cold water and blanch. Once boiling, add cooking wine to remove the gamey smell. Reduce to medium-low heat and blanch for 5 minutes, then remove. (You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces for quick and easy meals later.)
3
Step 3
Peel and slice the winter melon, then arrange the slices evenly on the bottom of a plate with some depth to prevent the juices from spilling.
4
Step 4
Place the chicken pieces on top of the winter melon.
5
Step 5
Prepare the sauce. You can sauté the aromatics first and add water, or simply mix the seasonings listed in the recipe together.
6
Step 6
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken pieces.
7
Step 7
Place in the microwave. Select inverter power mode at 900 watts and cook for 5 minutes.
8
Step 8
Once done, the winter melon will be cooked through. Sprinkle chopped scallions and chili flakes on top for garnish, then serve.
9
Step 9
The chicken pieces are tender and delicious.
