Chinese Salted Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Follow Guide

If you're looking for a delicious and flavourful chicken recipe, look no further than Chinese salted chicken. This Cantonese dish is traditionally made by rubbing a whole chicken with salt and other seasonings, then steaming or baking it until it's tender and juicy. The result is a succulent, savoury chicken that's perfect for any occasion.

To make Chinese salted chicken, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including coarse sea salt, Shaoxing wine, and sand ginger powder. You'll also need a whole chicken, of course, along with some other seasonings like white pepper and Chinese five spice. Preparation techniques can vary depending on the recipe you're following, but most involve rubbing the chicken with the seasonings and letting it marinate for several hours or overnight.

Once you're ready to cook your chicken, you can use a variety of methods, including steaming, baking, or even deep-frying. Many recipes recommend finishing the chicken with a quick broil or grill to give it a crispy, golden skin. And don't forget the garnishes! Chinese salted chicken is often served with scallions, cilantro, and other fresh herbs for a bright, zesty flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding some seafood to the mix, like shrimp or scallops, for an extra burst of umami.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese salted chicken is a delicious and flavourful Cantonese dish made with a whole chicken and essential ingredients like coarse sea salt, Shaoxing wine, and sand ginger powder.
• Preparation techniques can vary, but most involve rubbing the chicken with seasonings and letting it marinate before cooking.
• Chinese salted chicken can be cooked using a variety of methods, including steaming, baking, or deep-frying, and is often served with fresh herbs and garnishes.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese salted chicken, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. These include:

Choosing the Right Chicken

The first and most important ingredient is, of course, the chicken itself. You'll want to choose a fresh, high-quality chicken that is free from any blemishes or defects. Look for a bird that is plump and juicy, with firm, pink flesh. If possible, opt for an organic or free-range chicken for the best flavour and texture.

Salt Varieties and Their Uses

Salt is another key ingredient in salted chicken, and there are several different types of salt that can be used. Coarse sea salt is a popular choice, as it has a slightly briny flavour that pairs well with the chicken. However, table salt can also be used if you don't have coarse sea salt on hand. Just be sure to adjust the amount of salt you use accordingly, as table salt is more concentrated than coarse sea salt.

Additional Seasonings and Aromatics

In addition to salt, there are several other seasonings and aromatics that can be used to enhance the flavour of your salted chicken. Ginger is a common ingredient, as it adds a subtle, spicy flavour to the dish. Sand ginger, a type of ginger that is native to China, can also be used for a more complex flavour profile. Sand ginger powder can be found in some specialty food stores, but if you can't find it, regular ginger will suffice.

Shaoxing wine is another common seasoning used in salted chicken. This type of Chinese rice wine has a slightly sweet, nutty flavour that complements the chicken well. Sesame oil, green onions, and spring onions can also be used to add depth and complexity to the dish.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some seafood to your salted chicken recipe. Shrimp or prawns would be a great addition, as they would add a slightly sweet, briny flavour to the dish. Just be sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the chicken towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

To prepare the Chinese salted chicken, you need to marinate it first. This process involves rubbing the chicken with Shaoxing wine, sand ginger powder, ground white pepper, and salt. You can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight, depending on your preference. Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can marinate the chicken with some prawns or scallops. The seafood will add a unique flavour to the dish and make it more delicious.

Wrapping with Parchment Paper

After marinating the chicken, you need to wrap it with parchment paper. The parchment paper helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy during the cooking process. You can wrap the chicken tightly with the parchment paper, making sure that it is completely covered.

Resting and Air-Drying

Once the chicken is wrapped with parchment paper, you need to let it rest and air-dry for a few hours. This process helps to remove any excess moisture from the chicken and ensures that it cooks evenly. You can place the chicken in the refrigerator to air-dry or leave it at room temperature.

After air-drying, you can cook the chicken by either baking it in the oven or steaming it. Both methods produce delicious and tender chicken that is full of flavour.

In conclusion, marinating, wrapping with parchment paper, and air-drying are essential preparation techniques when making Chinese salted chicken. By following these techniques, you can ensure that your chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavour. If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can marinate the chicken with some prawns or scallops to make it even more delicious.

Cooking Methods

Salt Baking in a Wok

Salt baking in a wok is the traditional way of cooking salted chicken. This method involves heating up coarse salt in a wok until it becomes very hot, then placing the chicken in the wok and burying it with the salt. The chicken is then cooked on the stove until it is tender and juicy. This unique cooking method imparts a light smoky flavour to the chicken and retains all its flavours.

To salt bake chicken in a wok, you will need a large wok, coarse salt, and a whole chicken. Rinse the chicken under cold running water, shake off the excess water and pat the chicken dry with paper towels or a clean dishcloth. Brush the chicken with Shaoxing wine and season it with sand ginger powder, ground white pepper, and salt. Place the chicken in the wok and bury it with the hot salt. Cover the wok with a lid and cook the chicken for about an hour until it is fully cooked.

Steaming to Perfection

Another popular cooking method for salted chicken is steaming. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps to preserve the natural flavours of the chicken. To steam a salted chicken, you will need a steamer, a whole chicken, and seasoning.

To prepare the chicken for steaming, rinse it under cold running water, shake off the excess water and pat the chicken dry with paper towels or a clean dishcloth. Rub the chicken with Shaoxing wine and season it with sand ginger powder, ground white pepper, and salt. Place the chicken in a heatproof dish and steam it for about an hour until it is fully cooked.

Oven Cooking Alternatives

If you don't have a wok or steamer, you can still enjoy salted chicken by cooking it in the oven. Oven cooking is a convenient way of cooking chicken that requires minimal effort. To cook salted chicken in the oven, you will need an oven, a whole chicken, and seasoning.

To cook salted chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 180°C. Rinse the chicken under cold running water, shake off the excess water and pat the chicken dry with paper towels or a clean dishcloth. Rub the chicken with Shaoxing wine and season it with sand ginger powder, ground white pepper, and salt. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast it in the oven for about an hour until it is fully cooked.

Seafood can be a great addition to your salted chicken recipe. You can add shrimp or crab meat to your seasoning blend to give your chicken a unique flavour. If you're looking for a more traditional seafood option, you can use dried scallops or dried shrimp to season your chicken. These seafood options add a rich umami flavour to your salted chicken that is sure to impress your guests.

Finishing Touches

Enhancing Flavour with Seasonings

To add an extra kick of flavour to your salted chicken, consider adding a few seasonings to your recipe. Turmeric powder is a great option for those looking to add a subtle, earthy flavour to their chicken. Simply mix a small amount of turmeric powder into your salt and rub it onto the chicken before cooking.

If you're looking for a more savoury taste, try adding a splash of chicken broth to your recipe. This will give your chicken a richer, more flavourful taste that is sure to impress. You can also experiment with different oils to add a unique flavour to your chicken. Sesame oil, for example, can add a nutty, aromatic flavour to your dish.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes or Sichuan peppercorns to your seasoning mix. These spices will give your chicken a bold, fiery flavour that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To ensure that your salted chicken has the perfect texture, it's important to pay close attention to the cooking process. Once your chicken is coated in salt, be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or parchment paper. This will help to trap in moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out during the cooking process.

When it comes to cooking your chicken, there are a few different methods you can try. Baking your chicken in the oven is a great option for those who want a hands-off approach. Simply place your wrapped chicken in a baking dish and cook at 350°F for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you're looking for a more traditional method, consider cooking your chicken in a wok or pot. This will allow you to infuse your chicken with a smoky flavour that is sure to impress. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding some seafood to your recipe. Shrimp or scallops are great options that will complement the flavour of your salted chicken perfectly.

Serving and Presentation

Carving and Plating

Once your Chinese salted chicken is cooked to perfection, it's time to carve and plate it for serving. Start by removing the chicken from the pot and placing it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carve the chicken into bite-sized pieces, making sure to remove any bones.

When plating the chicken, it's important to present it in an aesthetically pleasing way. You can arrange the chicken pieces on a large platter or individual plates. For an authentic Chinese presentation, use chopsticks to pick up the chicken pieces and place them on your plate.

Accompaniments and Pairings

Chinese salted chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Traditionally, it's served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. You can also pair it with noodles or a light soup.

For a more festive occasion, consider serving your Chinese salted chicken during Chinese New Year celebrations. This dish is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.

As a suggestion, you can also add seafood to the recipe to enhance its flavour. Shrimps and scallops are great options to pair with the chicken. Simply add them to the pot during the cooking process and let them cook with the chicken. The seafood will absorb the flavours of the chicken and salt, resulting in a delicious and unique taste.

Overall, Chinese salted chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a restaurant or making it at home, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make Chinese salted chicken?

The simplest way to make Chinese salted chicken is to marinate the chicken with salt and other spices, then steam or bake it. You can also use a wok or a pot to cook the chicken. If you want to save time, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks, which are more flavourful and easier to cook.

Can I cook salted chicken with rice, and if so, how?

Yes, you can cook salted chicken with rice. You can use a rice cooker or a pot to cook the rice and chicken together. Add some water, soy sauce, and other spices to the rice and chicken, then cook until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is tender. You can also add some seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the rice for extra flavour.

What are the steps to steam salted chicken?

To steam salted chicken, first, marinate the chicken with salt and other spices for at least 30 minutes. Then, place the chicken in a steamer basket or on a plate, and steam for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You can also add some ginger and garlic to the steaming water for extra flavour.

How can I prepare salted chicken in the oven?

To prepare salted chicken in the oven, first, marinate the chicken with salt and other spices for at least 30 minutes. Then, preheat the oven to 180°C and place the chicken on a baking dish or a roasting pan. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. You can also add some vegetables, such as potatoes or carrots, to the baking dish for a complete meal.

What's the secret to Singapore-style salt baked chicken?

The secret to Singapore-style salt baked chicken is to use a special blend of spices, including sand ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise. You can also add some Shaoxing wine or soy sauce to the marinade for extra flavour. To bake the chicken, you need to bury it in a layer of hot salt, which will create a crispy and juicy texture.

Is there a special powder for Chinese salt baked chicken, and where can I find it?

Yes, there is a special powder for Chinese salt baked chicken, which is a blend of salt, spices, and sometimes flour or cornstarch. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online. However, you can also make your own powder by mixing salt, ginger powder, garlic powder, and other spices to your liking.