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Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe

Savory Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe for Comforting Meals

This Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe is a comforting dish combining salty and sweet flavors, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole Chicken (3–4 lbs) Ensure it's rinsed and excess fat is trimmed for optimal tenderness.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil For brushing, adds a glossy, appetizing finish.
For the Braising Liquid
  • 4 cups Water Serves as the base for the rich braising liquid.
  • 1 cup Light Soy Sauce Provides a sharp saltiness that’s key to classic soy sauce chicken recipes.
  • ½ cup Dark Soy Sauce Adds color and depth to the overall dish.
  • ½ cup Apple Juice Introduces a hint of sweetness; can substitute for Shaoxing wine.
  • ¼ cup Rock Sugar or Brown Sugar Balances the savory elements perfectly.
For the Aromatics
  • 4 slices Ginger Forms the aromatic base that enhances the dish's flavor depth.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, smashed Imparts a robust flavor essential for the braising process.
  • 2 pieces Star Anise Introduces a warm anise-like depth.
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Complements the savory-sweet profile beautifully.
  • 3 leaves Bay Leaves Infuses flavor as the chicken simmers.
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan Peppercorns, optional Adds a unique, numbing spice for those who love an extra kick.
  • 1 stalk Green Onion, knotted Adds freshness and enhances the aroma.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Tie the chicken's legs together with kitchen twine.
  2. In your large pot, combine the water, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, apple juice, and rock sugar. Add the ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
  3. Carefully lower the prepared chicken into the pot, breast-side down, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Flip the chicken over so that it is now breast-side up. Continue simmering for another 15 minutes while basting with the braising sauce.
  5. Once the chicken has finished simmering, turn off the heat but let it sit in the pot for 30-40 minutes, soaking up the flavors.
  6. Remove the chicken from the pot. Brush with sesame oil and let it rest for 10 minutes before chopping into serving pieces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 2000mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Timing Matters: Be mindful of cooking times especially for larger chickens. Resting is key to enhance flavor and tenderness. Save any leftover braising sauce for drizzling over rice or as a marinade.

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