Milk Street Television Season 2 Episode 17 Chicken the Chinese Way

In this episode of Milk Street Television season 2, viewers will be taken on a culinary journey to China as host Christopher Kimball explores the unique flavors and techniques that make Chinese cuisine so rich and diverse. Titled "Chicken the Chinese Way", this episode focuses on the versatility of chicken as a protein in Chinese cooking.

The episode begins with Kimball visiting chef Kian Lam Kho in his kitchen in Brooklyn, where he shares his expertise in Chinese cooking. Kho demonstrates a traditional technique of poaching chicken, which results in tender and succulent meat that is perfect for a variety of dishes. This technique is known as 'white-cut' chicken, and the chef explains the importance of the poaching liquid and the timing for achieving the perfect texture.

Kimball also visits chef and restaurateur Ed Schoenfeld in New York City, who shares his recipe for Sichuan chicken wings. Schoenfeld explains the key ingredients in Sichuan cooking, such as Sichuan peppercorns and red chili oil, which come together to create a deliciously spicy and addictive flavor.

Back in his own kitchen, Kimball demonstrates his take on a classic Chinese dish: kung pao chicken. He uses his own blend of spices and ingredients to create a bold and flavor-packed dish that is easy to recreate at home.

Next, viewers are introduced to Fuchsia Dunlop, a writer and chef who specializes in Sichuan cuisine. Dunlop prepares a dish called "saliva chicken", which is a literal translation for a dish called "mouth-watering chicken". She walks viewers through the steps of preparing the chicken, which involves marinating it in a mixture of chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. The finished dish is deeply flavorful and addictive.

The episode also features a segment on Chinese ingredients, where Kimball explores the pantry staples that are essential for Chinese cooking, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese cooking wine.

Finally, the episode concludes with a recipe for General Tso's chicken, a popular Chinese-American dish. Kimball explains the origins of the dish, which was actually created in the United States, and demonstrates how to make it with a few simple ingredients.

Overall, "Chicken the Chinese Way" is an informative and mouth-watering episode that showcases the diversity and depth of Chinese cuisine. Viewers will learn about traditional techniques, key ingredients, and modern interpretations of classic dishes, all while being entertained by the energetic and charismatic Christopher Kimball.