Irresistible Twist on a Classic: Crispy Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and crispy chicken recipe, look no further than the Chinese roast chicken recipe. This recipe brings together the finest elements of two renowned Chinese delicacies - crispy fried chicken and Peking duck - resulting in a delectable and crunchy dish that will be adored by all. The skin achieves such a level of crispiness that it closely resembles crackers upon emerging from the oven.

To make the perfect Chinese roast chicken, you'll need to start with essential ingredients like five-spice powder, Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and rice wine. The preparation techniques involve brining the chicken in a soy sauce-based mixture for 36 hours and air-drying it for half a day until the liquid in the skin is completely removed. The chicken is then roasted at 400 F, which is slightly higher than one you'd typically see for roasting chicken in the oven.

The Chinese roast chicken recipe is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a staple of Chinese cooking and is a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner or a dish to impress your guests, the Chinese roast chicken recipe is a must-try. So, put on your apron and get ready to cook up a storm with this delicious recipe!

Key Takeaways

• Chinese roast chicken is a delicious and crispy dish that combines the best of two famous Chinese dishes.
• Essential ingredients for the recipe include five-spice powder, Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and rice wine.
• Preparation techniques involve brining the chicken in a soy sauce-based mixture for 36 hours and air-drying it for half a day until the liquid in the skin is completely removed.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making crispy Chinese roast chicken, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. These ingredients are what give the chicken its signature flavour and texture, so it's important to choose them carefully.

Choosing the Right Chicken

First and foremost, you'll need a whole chicken. It's important to choose a good quality chicken, preferably organic or free-range, as this will give you the best flavour and texture. Look for a chicken that is plump and has smooth, unblemished skin.

Marinade Components

The marinade is what gives the chicken its flavour and helps to make the skin crispy. The key components of the marinade are soy sauce, honey, sugar, ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, shaoxing wine, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce.

Soy sauce is the main flavouring agent in the marinade, and it adds a salty, umami flavour to the chicken. Honey and sugar add sweetness and help to caramelise the skin, while ginger and garlic add depth of flavour. Oyster sauce adds a rich, savoury flavour, and five-spice powder adds a complex blend of spices. Shaoxing wine adds a subtle sweetness and helps to tenderise the meat, while sesame oil adds a nutty flavour. Finally, dark and light soy sauce add depth of flavour and help to colour the skin.

If you want to add a seafood twist to your Chinese roast chicken, you can try adding some prawns or scallops to the marinade. The sweetness of the seafood pairs well with the savoury flavours of the marinade, and it adds a nice textural contrast to the dish. Just be sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the dish at the end, as it cooks much faster than the chicken.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

To achieve the perfect crispy skin on your Chinese roast chicken, marinating is key. A simple marinade of five spice powder, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar will add flavour and help tenderise the meat. You can also add minced garlic, ginger, and chilli for extra flavour.

Seafood lovers can also add a touch of fish sauce to the marinade to give the chicken an umami boost. If you do decide to add seafood, we recommend using a light fish sauce, such as Vietnamese nuoc cham, to avoid overpowering the other flavours.

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavours to infuse into the meat and help it retain moisture during cooking.

Trussing and Air Drying

Trussing the chicken is another important step in achieving crispy skin. This involves tying the legs and wings of the chicken close to the body using kitchen twine. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.

After trussing, air drying the chicken is essential to remove as much moisture from the skin as possible. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This will help the skin crisp up during cooking.

For an extra crispy skin, you can also sprinkle a small amount of baking powder on the skin before air drying. This will help the skin to puff up and become even crispier during cooking.

Seafood lovers can also add dried shrimp or scallops to the chicken cavity before air drying. This will add a subtle seafood flavour to the chicken and help to keep it moist during cooking.

Cooking Process

Roasting the Chicken

To begin with, preheat your oven to 400°F (207°C) and prepare a roasting pan. You can use a vertical roasting rack if you have one. Place the chicken in the pan, breast side up. If you want to add some flavour to the chicken, you can season it with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.

Next, put the chicken in the oven and roast it for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). It is important to check the chicken at the 30-minute point, and if the skin is browned too soon, you can cover the chicken with a sheet of aluminum foil. This will prevent the skin from burning and ensure that it cooks evenly.

Achieving Crispy Skin

Crispy skin is the hallmark of a good Chinese roast chicken. To achieve crispy skin, you can use a few tricks. Firstly, make sure the chicken is completely dry before you put it in the oven. This will help the skin crisp up better.

Secondly, you can use baking powder to create ultra-crisp and crackly skin. Baking powder weakens peptide bonds in the skin, which helps to create a crispy texture.

Finally, to get the skin extra crispy, you can use a high temperature. Roast the chicken at 400°F (207°C) to brown the chicken and render the fat completely. This will create a super crispy skin while the meat remains moist and tender.

If you want to add some seafood to the recipe, you can try using prawns or scallops. Simply place them in the roasting pan with the chicken and cook them together. The seafood will absorb the flavours of the chicken and add an extra layer of texture to the dish.

By following these simple steps, you can make a delicious and crispy Chinese roast chicken that will impress your family and friends.

Serving and Accompaniments

Resting and Carving

Once your crispy Chinese roast chicken is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy. To carve the chicken, start by removing the legs and wings, then slice the breast meat against the grain.

Sides and Sauces

Crispy Chinese roast chicken is delicious on its own, but it can be even better when paired with some sides and sauces. Steamed rice is a classic accompaniment to Chinese roast chicken, and it helps to balance out the richness of the dish. You can also serve the chicken with some stir-fried broccoli or green onion for a healthy and tasty side dish.

For sauces, hoisin sauce and plum sauce are popular choices. Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savoury sauce made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar, while plum sauce is a tangy and sweet sauce made from plums, sugar, and vinegar. Sriracha is another great option if you like your food spicy.

If you want to experiment with flavours, you can try adding some seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or prawns can be added to the stuffing, or you can serve the chicken with a side of stir-fried squid or scallops. Just make sure to cook the seafood properly to avoid any food safety issues.

In summary, crispy Chinese roast chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Resting and carving the chicken properly is important to ensure that it is tender and juicy, and adding seafood can be a great way to experiment with different flavours.

Cultural Significance

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its rich history and cultural significance. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is an important holiday in Chinese culture, and food plays an integral role in the celebrations. One of the most famous dishes served during Lunar New Year is Peking duck, which is a traditional dish that is enjoyed by many. Another popular dish is 烧鸡 (shāo jī), which is Chinese roast chicken.

Chinese roast chicken is a dish that is often associated with special occasions such as weddings, family gatherings, and festivals. The dish is typically made by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and other seasonings, before roasting it in the oven until the skin is crispy and golden brown. The aroma of the chicken roasting in the oven is enough to make anyone's mouth water.

The dish has a long history in Chinese cuisine and is a testament to the country's culinary heritage. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, and each family has its own unique take on the dish. Some families prefer to use different seasonings or cooking techniques, while others like to add seafood such as prawns or scallops to the recipe to give it an extra kick.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your Chinese roast chicken recipe, consider using prawns or scallops. Prawns can be added to the marinade or cooked separately and served as a garnish on top of the chicken. Scallops can also be used as a garnish or added to the marinade to infuse the dish with extra flavour.

Overall, Chinese roast chicken is a dish that is steeped in cultural significance and is a must-try for anyone who loves Chinese cuisine. Its crispy skin and juicy meat make it a favourite among foodies and home cooks alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to achieving super crispy skin on roast chicken?

The secret to achieving super crispy skin on roast chicken is to dry the chicken skin thoroughly before cooking. You can do this by patting the chicken skin dry with paper towels or leaving the chicken uncovered in the fridge overnight. Another tip is to brush the chicken with a mixture of oil and cornstarch before roasting, as this will help to create a crispy crust.

How can you keep the skin of a roast chicken crisp after cooking?

To keep the skin of a roast chicken crisp after cooking, it's important to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to settle and the skin to crisp up. You can also place the chicken under the grill for a few minutes to crisp up the skin even further.

What are the best spices to use for an authentic Cantonese roast chicken?

The best spices to use for an authentic Cantonese roast chicken are five-spice powder, Szechuan peppercorns, and salt. These spices are used to season the chicken both inside and out, giving it a delicious flavour and aroma.

Can you suggest an easy method for making crispy Chinese roast chicken at home?

An easy method for making crispy Chinese roast chicken at home is to season the chicken with salt, five-spice powder, and Szechuan peppercorns, and then roast it in the oven until it's cooked through and the skin is crispy. You can also try brushing the chicken with a mixture of oil and cornstarch to help create a crispy crust.

What's the difference between Chinese-style roast chicken and Jamaican Chinese roast chicken?

Chinese-style roast chicken is typically seasoned with five-spice powder, Szechuan peppercorns, and salt, while Jamaican Chinese roast chicken is seasoned with a blend of Jamaican spices, such as allspice, thyme, and scallions. The cooking methods are also slightly different, with Chinese-style roast chicken being roasted in the oven and Jamaican Chinese roast chicken being cooked on a grill.

How long should you marinate chicken for an Asian-style roast to maximise flavour?

To maximise the flavour of an Asian-style roast chicken, you should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat and give it a delicious taste. You can also add seafood to the marinade, such as fish sauce or shrimp paste, to give the chicken an extra depth of flavour.