Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe

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If you have been searching for a remarkable, home-cooked delight, look no further than this Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell irresistible and the whole family gather eagerly around the table. Balancing bold Cantonese flavors with a juicy, tender chicken and irresistibly crispy skin, this dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create magic. Whether you’re craving a fuss-free dinner or a special dish to impress, this Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe delivers every time with comforting, rich, and savory notes that feel like a warm hug in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet incredibly impactful. Each one lends its own unique character to the chicken, contributing flavor, texture, and that signature golden color. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a standout.

• Whole chicken (around 1.4kg or 3 lbs): The perfect size to marinate evenly and roast into juicy perfection.
• Light soy sauce (6 tablespoons): Provides the salty, umami foundation that ties all other flavors together.
• Oyster sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds a sweet silkiness and depth to the marinade—Lee Kum Kee is a reliable brand.
• Dark soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a beautiful rich color and a slightly smoky depth to the skin.
• Shaoxing wine (1 tablespoon): Offers subtle aromatic notes, elevating the whole dish with a hint of authenticity.
• Chinese five spice powder (½ teaspoon): A pinch brings warm, exotic flavors of star anise, cloves, and cinnamon to the mix.
• Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the savory elements and helps caramelize the skin to a stunning golden hue.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture for that crispy skin.
• Fresh ginger (2-inch piece): Smashed and sliced for a bright, zesty aroma inside the cavity.
• Whole fresh garlic (1 bulb): Crushed and peeled to infuse sweet, mellow garlic notes within the chicken.
• Baking powder (optional, ½ teaspoon): A secret weapon for extra crispy skin when combined with salt for a rub.
• Salt for rub (optional, 1½ teaspoons): Works with baking powder to achieve that coveted skin crunch and enhance flavor.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Mixed into the glaze for a glossy, sweet finish that amplifies the roast’s aroma.
• Dark soy sauce for glaze (½ teaspoon): Intensifies color and adds a deep, savory note just before serving.

How to Make Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Marinade and Chicken

Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients—light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, five spice powder, sugar, and salt. Pour this over your whole chicken and carefully massage the sauce over the skin and inside the cavity. For maximum flavor penetration, place the chicken in a large Ziplock bag or a plastic container to marinate evenly. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours; this slow soak is key for juicy, flavorful meat and that iconic aroma that makes this Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe unforgettable.

Step 2: Optional Crispy Skin Rub

If you’re craving extra crispy skin, here’s a little secret: after marinating, rub your chicken with a mixture of baking powder and salt. This dry rub draws moisture from the skin, helping it crisp spectacularly in the oven. Keep in mind this step adds 12 to 24 hours of resting in the fridge, so plan ahead!

Step 3: Stuffing the Chicken

Stuff the chicken cavity with smashed fresh ginger and garlic cloves. These fragrant aromatics infuse the meat from within, creating tender, subtly spicy bursts of flavor that perfectly complement the savory marinade.

Step 4: Prepping to Roast

Remove the chicken from the fridge about an hour before roasting to let it come to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 220C (428F) or 200C fan (392F). Place a wire rack on your baking tray and pour some water into the tray (without touching the chicken) to catch drippings and prevent burning. This setup encourages even heat circulation and keeps your oven clean—two wins!

Step 5: Roasting the Chicken

Bake the chicken at 220C (200C fan) for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180C (160C fan). Take the tray out, turn it around to prevent hot spots from uneven roasting, and continue baking for another 30 minutes. After that, brush the chicken all over with a glaze made from honey and dark soy sauce and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Use a food thermometer to ensure the thickest part reads 165F, or check that juices run clear when pierced. This final step seals in all the luscious juices, giving you that picture-perfect, glossy roast chicken skin.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

Removing the chicken from the oven is not the end—let it rest for about 10 minutes. This crucial pause lets the juices redistribute, guaranteeing tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat in every slice. Now your Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe is ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

To enhance presentation and taste, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or coriander over the sliced chicken. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds also adds delightful texture and nutty aroma. These simple garnishes bring brightness and freshness, perfectly complementing the rich roast.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up all those incredible juices. For added balance, serve with stir-fried Chinese broccoli or bok choy tossed in garlic oil. The crunch and vivid greens brighten up the plate and create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve your Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe on a large platter surrounded by sliced cucumbers and pickled vegetables for a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors. Another idea is carving the chicken into bite-sized pieces to make relaxed chicken wraps with hoisin sauce and fresh herbs—a fun, interactive way to enjoy this classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover chicken tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3-4 days. Use leftovers creatively in fried rice, salads, or comforting chicken congee, giving your next meals a flavorful boost with minimal effort.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe leftovers for up to two months. Remove the meat from the bones and seal airtight with minimal air to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor preservation.

Reheating

For juicy reheated chicken, warm in a covered oven-safe dish at 160C (320F) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, gently reheat slices in a pan with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use a smaller or larger chicken for this Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Just adjust your marinating and cooking times accordingly. Smaller chickens need less time; larger ones might need more to cook through and marinate flavors deeply.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 24 hours?

While you can marinate for shorter periods like 16 hours, waiting the full 24 hours ensures the flavors fully penetrate the meat, leading to a more delicious and aromatic roast.

What if I don’t have five spice powder?

You can omit it, and the chicken will still taste amazing. However, five spice powder adds a subtle complexity that’s worth trying to source—making the dish uniquely flavorful and authentic.

How do I get the skin extra crispy without drying the meat?

The optional baking powder and salt rub is key. It helps pull moisture from the skin creating a crackling finish while the 24-hour rest sets you up for perfectly balanced juicy meat and crunch.

Can I use a different type of cooking wine if I don’t have Shaoxing?

Yes, substitutes like sake or even dry sherry work well. Just avoid sweet wines which can alter the intended flavor profile of this Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for special occasions. Give yourself the gift of this warm, comforting dish that never fails to bring smiles and second helpings. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary roast chicken again!

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