Introduction
Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken is the signature dish that helped make the restaurant chain famous. According to Pick Up Stix, the dish features tender chicken coated in a caramelized sauce made with white wine, garlic, soy sauce, and green onions. The sweet and savory glaze creates a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from traditional Chinese takeout chicken dishes.
What makes House Special Chicken unique is its balance of sweetness, garlic, soy sauce, and white wine. The sauce caramelizes during cooking, creating a glossy coating that clings to every piece of chicken. Many fans describe it as a cross between Mongolian chicken and garlic chicken, but with a richer, more complex flavor. (Facebook)
This copycat recipe recreates the restaurant favorite using simple ingredients while staying true to the original flavor profile.
Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Type | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Asian Inspired |
| Preparation Time | 20 Minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 Minutes |
| Total Time | 35 Minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Served | Hot |
What Makes Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken Special?
Pick Up Stix describes the dish as chicken tossed in a caramelized sauce made with white wine, garlic, soy sauce, and green onions. (pickupstix.com)
Key characteristics include:
- Tender chicken pieces
- Sweet caramelized sauce
- Garlic flavor
- Soy sauce richness
- White wine complexity
- Green onion freshness
- Sticky glossy coating
Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken Recipe Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the House Special Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Steamed rice
The ingredients reflect common copycat recipes and community recreations of the restaurant favorite. (Umami)
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | Tender texture |
| Soy Sauce | Umami flavor |
| White Wine | Signature taste |
| Garlic | Main flavor component |
| Sugar | Caramelization |
| Green Onions | Freshness |
| Oyster Sauce | Depth of flavor |
| Sesame Oil | Finishing aroma |
Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken Instructions and Steps
Step 1
Place the chicken in a bowl.
Step 2
Add soy sauce and cornstarch.
Step 3
Mix thoroughly and marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 4
Combine all sauce ingredients except sesame oil and the cornstarch slurry in a separate bowl.
Step 5
Whisk until the sugars dissolve.
Step 6
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 7
Add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
Step 8
Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Step 9
Add minced garlic and half of the green onions.
Step 10
Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 11
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.
Step 12
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 13
Allow the sauce to reduce for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 14
Add the cornstarch slurry.
Step 15
Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 16
Add sesame oil.
Step 17
Continue cooking until the sauce caramelizes around the chicken.
Step 18
Remove from heat.
Step 19
Garnish with remaining green onions.
Step 20
Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
Values are estimates.
Essential Tips for Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy during stir-frying.
Do Not Skip the Wine
The white wine is a defining component of the original dish. Pick Up Stix specifically lists white wine as a key ingredient.
Let the Sauce Caramelize
The signature flavor comes from the sugars reducing and caramelizing.
Cook Over High Heat
High heat helps develop restaurant-style flavor.
Add Garlic Near the End
This prevents burning while maximizing flavor.
Use Fresh Green Onions
Fresh green onions balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Why the Sauce Is So Popular
The House Special sauce balances several flavors.
Sweetness
Sugar creates the caramelized coating.
Umami
Soy sauce and oyster sauce provide savory depth.
Aromatics
Garlic and green onions contribute freshness.
Acidity
White wine and vinegar balance the sweetness.
Together these ingredients create the signature Pick Up Stix flavor.
Customization and Pairing Ideas
Add Vegetables
Try:
- Broccoli
- Snap peas
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
Make It Spicy
Add:
- Chili flakes
- Sriracha
- Fresh chilies
Extra Garlic Version
Double the garlic for a stronger flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Chow mein
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
Best Side Dishes
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| White Rice | Absorbs sauce |
| Brown Rice | Nutty flavor |
| Chow Mein | Restaurant style |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | Fresh contrast |
| Egg Rolls | Crispy texture |
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Stovetop Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
Microwave Reheating
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Refresh the Sauce
Add a small splash of soy sauce if needed.
Alternatives Substitutes Similar Dishes
| Original Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | Chicken Breast |
| Shaoxing Wine | Dry White Wine |
| Dark Soy Sauce | Regular Soy Sauce |
| Oyster Sauce | Hoisin Sauce |
| Brown Sugar | Honey |
Similar Dishes
- Mongolian Chicken
- Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Sesame Chicken
- Chinese Garlic Chicken
- Honey Soy Chicken
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Low Heat
Low heat prevents proper caramelization.
Overcooking the Chicken
Overcooked chicken becomes dry.
Adding Too Much Liquid
Excess liquid dilutes the sauce.
Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry
The slurry creates the signature glossy finish.
Not Reducing the Sauce
Proper reduction develops the authentic flavor.
Queries and Related FAQs
What is Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken?
It is chicken tossed in a caramelized sauce made with white wine, garlic, soy sauce, and green onions.
What makes House Special Chicken different?
The caramelized white wine garlic soy sauce distinguishes it from traditional Chinese chicken dishes.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, although thighs provide a more tender result.
Is House Special Chicken spicy?
No. The traditional version is sweet and savory rather than spicy.
What wine should I use?
Shaoxing wine is ideal, but dry white wine works well.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Many customers order the dish with vegetables at the restaurant.
What rice goes best with House Special Chicken?
Steamed white rice is the most traditional pairing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors often improve after resting overnight.
Summary
Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken is the restaurant’s signature dish for good reason. Tender chicken is coated in a glossy caramelized sauce made with white wine, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and green onions, creating an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Pick Up Stix itself describes the dish as chicken in a caramelized sauce of white wine, garlic, soy, and green onions.
This homemade copycat recipe captures the essence of the restaurant favorite using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. Whether served over steamed rice or paired with stir-fried vegetables, Pick Up Stix House Special Chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.
