Savory Chinese-Style Microwave Roast Chicken
Savor the flavors of tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich blend of oyster sauce and soy sauce in this quick and easy microwave roast chicken recipe. Perfect for those busy weekdays or a cozy family gathering, this dish pairs beautifully with blanched won bok or bok choy for a vibrant, healthy meal. The succulent chicken is cooked to perfection in the microwave, ensuring it remains moist while developing a savory glaze. Serve it drizzled with a homemade gravy that ties all the flavors together, making it a nourishing and satisfying one-dish meal.
8-10
Servings
480
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broiler-fryer chickens
3 lbs (whole)
Salt
1 teaspoon (optional, can reduce to taste)
Oyster sauce
1 tablespoon (for rubbing the chicken)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for rubbing the chicken)
Chicken broth
0.5 (14 1/2 ounce) can
Oyster sauce
2 teaspoons (for gravy)
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for gravy)
Sugar
1-2 teaspoons (to taste for gravy)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (mixed with 1/4 cup water to thicken gravy)
Water
1/4 cup (for cornstarch mixture)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the whole broiler-fryer chickens under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
2
In a small bowl, combine salt (if using), 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and vegetable oil. Rub this mixture all over the chickens, ensuring an even coat.
3
Place the seasoned chicken in a large microwave-safe casserole dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
4
Microwave the chicken on high for 10 minutes to initiate cooking.
5
After the initial cooking time, carefully turn the chicken over and microwave for an additional 13 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6
Once cooked, let the chicken rest in the covered casserole for a few minutes while you prepare the gravy.
7
In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
8
Once boiling, stir in the cornstarch mixture gradually and continue stirring until the gravy has thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
9
Carve the chicken into pieces and serve over blanched won bok or bok choy, drizzled with the rich homemade gravy.
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
11g
Carbs
36g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this microwave chicken?
The chicken features a savory Chinese-style flavor profile dominated by oyster sauce and soy sauce.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the microwave?
The total microwave cooking time is 23 minutes: 10 minutes on high, then another 13 minutes after turning the chicken over.
What size chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 3 lb whole broiler-fryer chicken.
What is the required internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve between 8 to 10 people.
What vegetables are recommended as a side dish?
It is best served over blanched won bok (napa cabbage) or bok choy.
What ingredients are used to make the savory gravy?
The gravy is made from chicken broth, 2 teaspoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, sugar, and a cornstarch slurry.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of salt, though this is optional and can be adjusted to taste.
How do you thicken the chicken gravy?
The gravy is thickened by stirring in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water while boiling.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 480 calories, 36g of protein, 27g of fat, and 11g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to cover the chicken while it microwaves?
Yes, you should cover the microwave-safe casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap.
What type of oil is used for the chicken rub?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used in the rub mixture.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest in the covered casserole for a few minutes before carving to keep it moist.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels.
How much soy sauce is needed for the gravy?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for the gravy.
Is there sugar in this savory dish?
Yes, the gravy uses 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the savory flavors.
What kind of cooking vessel is required?
A large microwave-safe casserole dish is necessary for this recipe.
Can this be considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing and healthy meal, especially when paired with blanched greens.
How much chicken broth is used in the gravy?
The recipe uses half of a 14.5 ounce can of chicken broth.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, it is labeled as an easy chicken recipe perfect for busy weekdays.
How much oyster sauce is used in total?
You will need 1 tablespoon for the chicken rub and 2 teaspoons for the gravy.
What is the recommended preparation for the chicken before seasoning?
The chicken should be kept whole for roasting in the microwave.
Is the gravy prepared in the microwave as well?
No, the gravy is prepared in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
What is the main protein source in this dish?
The main protein is broiler-fryer chicken.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The chicken itself has no fiber, but serving it with won bok or bok choy adds nutritional fiber to the meal.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 27 grams of fat per serving.
How should the chicken be carved?
The instructions recommend carving the chicken into pieces before serving it over the vegetables.
Is this an Asian cuisine recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as Asian cuisine and Chinese-style chicken.
What makes the chicken juicy in this recipe?
Cooking it in a covered casserole dish in the microwave ensures it remains moist and tender.
Can this be made as a one-dish meal?
Yes, by serving the chicken and gravy over blanched vegetables, it functions as a complete one-dish meal.