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Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe

Savory Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe for Comforting Weeknight Dinners

This Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe combines savory soy sauces with a touch of sweetness, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole Chicken The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender meat.
  • to taste tsp Salt Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavor.
  • 2 cups Water Creates the base of your rich, savory braising sauce.
For the Braising Sauce
  • ½ cup Light Soy Sauce Adds brightness and savory depth.
  • ¼ cup Dark Soy Sauce Deepens the color and richness of the dish.
  • ½ cup Apple Juice Offers a touch of sweetness.
  • ¼ cup Rock Sugar Sweetening agent that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Brown Sugar Alternative to rock sugar.
Aromatic Additions
  • 2 inches Ginger Slices Introduces warmth and an aromatic quality.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Adds savory depth.
  • 2 pieces Star Anise Offers a unique aromatic flavor.
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Infuses warmth and adds a layer of sweetness.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Contributes additional aroma and flavor.
  • to taste Sichuan Peppercorns Adds a hint of spice.
Finishing Touches
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil Brush onto the chicken for a glossy finish.
  • 2 tbsp Green Onion Use for garnish and added freshness.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Kitchen twine
  • Tongs
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by rinsing the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Tie the legs together using kitchen twine for a neater presentation.
  2. In a large pot, mix together water, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and apple juice. Add rock sugar, ginger slices, garlic cloves, star anise, a cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Carefully lower the prepared chicken into the pot, breast-side down. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
  4. After 15 minutes, gently turn the chicken over so it’s breast-side up. Cover again and continue simmering for another 15 minutes, basting the chicken every 5 minutes.
  5. Turn off the heat and let the chicken soak in the braising sauce for 30-40 minutes.
  6. Once rested, remove the chicken from the pot, brush with sesame oil, and rest for a few minutes before chopping into serving pieces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the braising sauce for optimal flavor. Adjust cooking times for different chicken cuts and enjoy experimenting with sweeteners.

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