Chinese Soya Sauce Chicken Recipe: How to Make It at Home

If you're a fan of Cantonese cuisine, you've probably heard of Chinese soy sauce chicken, also known as See Yao Gai. This dish is a staple in many Chinese households and is also a popular street food in Chinatown. The recipe is simple but requires a few essential ingredients and a bit of patience.

To make Chinese soy sauce chicken, you'll need a whole chicken, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and a few aromatics like star anise and cinnamon. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic, then simmered in a pot with the aromatics until it's cooked through and infused with flavour. The result is a succulent and flavourful chicken that's perfect for a family dinner or a dinner party.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood to the recipe to give it a unique twist. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all great options that pair well with the soy sauce and aromatics. Simply add the seafood to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking and let it cook until it's tender and cooked through. Serve the chicken and seafood with steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese soy sauce chicken is a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine that's easy to make at home with a few essential ingredients and some patience.
• Adding seafood like shrimp, scallops, or squid to the recipe can give it a unique twist and take it to the next level.
• Serve the chicken and seafood with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese soy sauce chicken, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have on hand. These include the main ingredients, aromatics and spices, and sauces and seasonings.

Main Ingredients

The main ingredient in soy sauce chicken is, of course, chicken. You can use a whole chicken or chicken parts, such as legs or wings. If you prefer, you can also use seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to give the dish a different twist.

Aromatics and Spices

Aromatics and spices are also important for giving soy sauce chicken its distinctive flavour. These include ginger, star anise, scallion, and garlic. You can use these ingredients to create a fragrant and savoury broth that will infuse the chicken with flavour.

Sauces and Seasonings

Finally, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and salt are all essential sauces and seasonings that you will need to use when making soy sauce chicken. These ingredients work together to create a rich and complex flavour that is both sweet and savoury.

Overall, soy sauce chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself just how delicious it can be?

Preparation Steps

Preparing Chinese soy sauce chicken requires a few simple steps. Here's what you need to do:

Cleaning the Chicken

First, you need to clean the chicken thoroughly. Remove the giblets and rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. You can use a cleaver to cut the chicken into pieces if you prefer.

Marinating Process

Marinating the chicken is optional, but it can add a lot of flavour to the dish. To marinate the chicken, mix together soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, and sugar. Rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces, making sure they are well coated. Cover the chicken with cling film and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.

Making the Soy Sauce Mix

To make the soy sauce mix, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, water, and other seasonings such as star anise, cinnamon, and ginger in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the chicken to the pot and make sure it is fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or squid are great options that can add a unique flavour to the dish. Simply add them to the pot along with the chicken and let them cook together in the soy sauce mix.

With these simple steps, you can easily prepare a delicious Chinese soy sauce chicken recipe that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Cooking Method

Braising the Chicken

To make Chinese soya sauce chicken, you need to braise the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, spices, and aromatics. The braising liquid is usually made up of dark soy sauce, water, sugar, and spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. You can also add garlic, shallots, and scallions for extra flavour.

To braise the chicken, you'll need a tall pot or a Dutch oven that's big enough to hold the chicken and the braising liquid. Place the chicken in the pot and pour the braising liquid over it. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Simmer the chicken for about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken, until it's cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the thigh. If the juices run clear, the chicken is done.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the chicken is done, insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked through. If the juices are still pink or red, continue cooking the chicken for another 5-10 minutes and check again.

The total cooking time for Chinese soya sauce chicken will depend on the size of the chicken and the cooking method used. Braising the chicken will take longer than poaching it, but it will result in a richer and more flavourful dish.

If you want to add seafood to the dish, you can use prawns or squid. Simply add them to the braising liquid during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, depending on their size. The seafood will absorb the flavour of the braising liquid and add an extra dimension to the dish.

Serving and Pairings

Accompaniments

Soy sauce chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Steamed rice is a classic pairing that complements the rich and savoury flavours of the chicken. You can also serve it with noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad.

For a more elevated dining experience, consider serving the chicken with ginger scallion sauce. This sauce is made by combining minced ginger, chopped scallions, soy sauce, and oil. It adds a bright, zesty flavour to the dish and helps cut through the richness of the chicken.

If you prefer a dipping sauce, a simple soy sauce and sesame oil mixture works well. You can also add a touch of chilli oil for some heat.

Presentation Tips

To make the dish more visually appealing, you can top the chicken with sliced green onions. This adds a pop of colour and freshness to the dish. You can also garnish it with cilantro, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavour.

For a more elaborate presentation, you can serve the chicken whole on a platter. This is a great option for dinner parties or special occasions. To do this, simply remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a serving platter and garnish as desired.

If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can consider adding some shrimp or scallops to the pot during the cooking process. This will add some additional flavour and texture to the dish. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the seafood is cooked through.

Storage and Reheating

Once you have cooked your delicious Chinese soy sauce chicken, you may be wondering how to store and reheat any leftovers.

To store your chicken, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you plan on storing it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

When reheating your chicken, there are a few different methods you can use. One option is to microwave it for 2-3 minutes, or until it is hot throughout. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop by placing it in a pan on medium heat until it is hot.

If you have leftover chicken and are looking for a new way to enjoy it, consider adding seafood to the mix. You can add shrimp or scallops to the sauce for a tasty twist on this classic dish. Just be sure to cook the seafood thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

Overall, storing and reheating your Chinese soy sauce chicken is easy and convenient. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious meal for days to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a tender soya sauce chicken?

The secret to a tender soy sauce chicken is to marinate the chicken for a sufficient amount of time. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender it will be. Additionally, cooking the chicken at a low temperature for a longer period of time will also help to make it more tender.

How can I make a simple soy sauce chicken at home?

Making a simple soy sauce chicken at home is easy. All you need to do is marinate chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. Then, roast the chicken in the oven until it is cooked through and the skin is crispy.

What are the best ingredients to add to a soy sauce chicken for more flavour?

To add more flavour to your soy sauce chicken, you can add ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chillies to the marinade. These ingredients will give the chicken a more complex and spicy flavour.

Can I prepare soy sauce chicken in a slow cooker, and if so, how?

Yes, you can prepare soy sauce chicken in a slow cooker. Simply marinate the chicken as usual, then place it in the slow cooker with the marinade. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

What's the difference between light and dark soy sauce in chicken recipes?

Light soy sauce is saltier and lighter in colour than dark soy sauce. It is used to add saltiness and flavour to dishes, while dark soy sauce is used to add colour and a deeper flavour. In chicken recipes, light soy sauce is typically used for marinating the chicken, while dark soy sauce is used for colouring and flavouring the sauce.

How long should I marinate chicken in soy sauce for the best results?

For the best results, you should marinate chicken in soy sauce for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavour of the marinade and become more tender. If you are short on time, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but the flavour and texture may not be as good.

As a suggestion, you can also add seafood like prawns or squid to the soy sauce chicken recipe to give it a unique twist. Simply add the seafood to the marinade and cook it with the chicken for a delicious surf and turf dish.