Chinese stir-fried chicken is extra tender due to the velveting technique. Chicken is sliced into thin, even-sized pieces and then marinated briefly in a mix of baking soda, cornstarch, wine, and seasoning. This seals in moisture and tenderizes the chicken. The high heat and constant tossing of a wok or skillet cook the chicken fast to keep it tender and juicy. The velveting marinade and high-temperature stir-frying result in Chinese chicken that is succulent and silky smooth.