Authentic Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken Delight
Indulge in the savory goodness of Authentic Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken Delight, a beloved classic that harmonizes the rich flavors of soy sauce and fragrant spices. This recipe combines the wisdom of generations, drawing on cherished family traditions and modern culinary techniques. The chicken is gently simmered to absorb every drop of the luscious marinade, resulting in tender, juicy meat that is bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week, this dish is best served hot over jasmine rice, making it a comforting meal that you'll crave every day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
1 (cut into parts)
soy sauce
1/3-1/2 cup (use low sodium if preferred)
water
1/2 cup
brown sugar
3 tablespoons
oyster sauce
1 tablespoon
rice wine or dry sherry
1/4 cup
fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (crushed)
five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon
star anise
1-2 pieces
garlic
2 cloves (whole)
birds eye chile
to taste (chopped (optional))
scallion
1 stalk (chopped)
sesame seeds
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, oyster sauce, rice wine (or dry sherry), crushed ginger, five-spice powder, star anise, and whole garlic cloves. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is fragrant.
2
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
3
Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated and absorb the flavors.
4
Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a serving platter. Set aside to keep warm.
5
Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce. To thicken the remaining sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce, cooking until it bubbles and thickens slightly.
6
Pour the thickened sauce generously over the chicken pieces and garnish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
7
Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken Delight?
It is a classic Chinese dish featuring chicken gently simmered in a savory marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices like star anise and five-spice powder.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a whole chicken cut into parts to ensure the meat stays juicy and absorbs the flavor of the sauce evenly.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish while still maintaining the rich savory profile.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be simmered for approximately 30 to 40 minutes until it is fully cooked through and tender.
What can I substitute for rice wine?
If you do not have rice wine, dry sherry is an excellent substitute that provides a similar depth of flavor.
What is five-spice powder?
Five-spice powder is a traditional Chinese spice blend typically consisting of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds.
How do I thicken the soy sauce marinade?
To thicken the sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it bubbles.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is customizable; you can add bird's eye chiles to taste or leave them out entirely for a mild, savory meal.
What should I serve with soy sauce chicken?
This dish is best served hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious thickened sauce.
How do I prepare the ginger for this recipe?
The fresh ginger should be crushed rather than minced to release its oils and aromatics into the simmering liquid.
Do I need to leave the garlic cloves whole?
Yes, the recipe suggests using whole garlic cloves to provide a mellow garlic infusion without overpowering the other spices.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook faster than bone-in parts, so monitor the time to avoid drying them out.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in the sauce?
Brown sugar provides a touch of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Is star anise necessary for this recipe?
Star anise is highly recommended as it provides the signature aromatic licorice-like note found in authentic Chinese braised dishes.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly flavored?
Be sure to turn the chicken pieces occasionally while they are simmering in the covered pot.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish the finished dish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for color and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep as the flavors continue to develop and the chicken stays moist in the sauce.
Do I need to remove the fat from the sauce?
It is recommended to skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce before thickening it with the cornstarch slurry.
What is oyster sauce and is it required?
Oyster sauce is a thick, savory condiment made from oyster extracts. It adds a deep umami flavor that is characteristic of this dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients including the chicken, seasonings, and garnishes.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is a comforting and heart-warming meal that is a favorite for family gatherings.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile compared to brown sugar.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How do I reheat soy sauce chicken?
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep it moist.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, the cooked chicken in its sauce freezes well for up to 2-3 months.
Is it okay to leave the skin on the chicken?
Yes, leaving the skin on helps keep the meat moist and provides a beautiful dark color from the soy sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
While the recipe focuses on the chicken, you can add bok choy or broccoli to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
Does this recipe require marinating before cooking?
No, the chicken absorbs flavor while simmering directly in the sauce, so no advance marinating is required.
What type of pot should I use?
A large pot or a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for simmering the chicken.
Is this recipe considered authentic?
Yes, it draws on traditional family techniques and classic Cantonese flavor profiles.