HOISIN CHICKEN

Steps:

• TECHNIQUE TO CUT CHICKEN CHINESE-STYLE:
• Rinse chicken.
• On heavy cutting board, set chicken breast side up.
• Cut in half lengthwise, veering slightly to one or other side of breastbone and backbone; you will have separated the chicken completely in half.
• Remove and discard backbone (optional).
• Raise each leg up slightly from breast section; cut through ball and socket joint to remove each leg. Cut through knee joint of each leg separating drumstick and thigh.
• Pull each wing away from breast, cutting through the joint next to breast.
• Cut each drumstick, thigh and breast piece crosswise into three pieces, cutting completely through bones.
• Cut each wing into two pieces.
• You should end up with 22 small serving-size pieces.
• HOISIN CHICKEN:.
• In small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch, water, sherry, vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and bouillon granules; mix well. Set aside.
• Add remaining ½ cup cornstarch in large bowl. Add chicken pieces and stir to coat well.
• In large skillet or wok, heat oil over high heat to 375°F Add 1/3 of the chicken pieces, one at a time, to the hot oil; cook until no longer pink in center, about 5 minutes. Drain chicken on paper towels. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
• Discard all but 2 tablespoons oil from skillet. Add ginger and stir-fry 1 minute. Add onions and stir-fry for another minute. Add broccoli, red pepper and mushrooms and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
• Stir cornstarch mixture and add to skillet. Cook and stir until sauce boils and thickens.
• Return chicken to skillet. Cook and stir until chicken is thoroughly heated, about 2 minutes.
• Serve over hot Vermicelli and garnish, if desired.