17 Chinese Deep Fried Whole Chicken Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
Deep-fried chicken has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The crispy skin and juicy meat make it a beloved dish all over the world. While there are many variations of this recipe, this article will provide a professional and well-organized introduction to the traditional Chinese deep-fried whole chicken recipe. Not only will you learn the steps to make this mouth-watering dish, but you will also discover the cultural significance behind it. So, let's dive into the world of Chinese cooking and learn how to make the perfect deep-fried whole chicken.
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Scallions, Ham, Peeled Fresh Ginger
White-cut chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is often served during special occasions. It involves poaching a whole chicken in a flavorful broth and then serving it with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce. The result is a tender and succulent chicken with a delicate and delicious flavor.
Ginger is a staple ingredient in Chinese cooking, and it adds a warm and spicy flavor to this chicken dish. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, and then roasted to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that will have your taste buds dancing.
Steaming is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine, and it is a great way to cook chicken as it helps to retain the moisture and natural flavors of the meat. This recipe uses a simple marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger to infuse the chicken with flavor before it is steamed. The result is a tender and juicy chicken that is perfect for a healthy and delicious meal.
Roasting a whole chicken is a great way to impress your guests, and this Chinese-inspired recipe takes it to the next level. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and spices, and then roasted until golden and crispy. The result is a succulent and flavorful chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Steamed Chicken with Chinese Mushroom
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Dried Wood Ear Mushroom, Shitake
Chinese mushrooms are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and they add a unique and delicious flavor to this steamed chicken dish. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese mushrooms, and then steamed to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken with a rich and savory sauce.
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Chinese Red-braised Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Oil, Ginger, Cloves, Star Anise, Spring
Red-braised chicken is a popular dish in China, and it involves cooking the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices until it is tender and flavorful. This recipe uses a whole chicken and is perfect for a special occasion or family dinner. The result is a succulent and delicious chicken with a rich and savory sauce that is sure to please.
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Shirley Chung - Soy Poached Whole Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Star Anise, Canela, Cloves, Chili
This recipe comes from Top Chef finalist Shirley Chung and is a simple and delicious way to cook a whole chicken. The chicken is poached in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, resulting in a tender and juicy chicken with a delicious Asian-inspired flavor. Serve it with some steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
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Simple Roasted Whole Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Oranges, Olive Oil, Seasoning, Chicken
If you're looking for a no-fuss recipe that still delivers on flavor, then this simple roasted whole chicken is the perfect choice. It involves rubbing the chicken with a mixture of herbs and spices, and then roasting it in the oven until it is golden and crispy. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Slow Cooker Crispy Chinese Shredded Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Chinese Cooking Wine, Brown Sugar, Black
This recipe takes all the flavors of a classic Chinese shredded chicken dish and makes it even easier by using a slow cooker. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and then shredded and broiled to get a crispy exterior. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served over rice.
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Beggar’s Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Water, Kosher Salt, 5 Spice Powder
This unique and flavorful chicken dish comes with an interesting story. As the legend goes, a beggar in China used to wrap a chicken in clay and roast it over a fire to keep it warm. When he was finally able to afford spices, he added them to the clay, resulting in a delicious and tender chicken. This recipe uses a similar method, and the result is a succulent and flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior.
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Whole Sticky Asian Chicken
Main Ingredients: Shao Hsing Wine, Soy Sauce, Chicken Stock, Honey, Brown
This recipe takes the classic Asian flavors of soy sauce, honey, and ginger and combines them with a whole roasted chicken to create a mouthwatering and flavorful dish. The chicken is marinated in the sauce and then roasted until tender and juicy. The result is a sticky and delicious chicken that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
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Soy Sauce Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Oil, Old Ginger, Garlic, Scallions, Star
This simple and delicious recipe for soy sauce chicken is a popular street food in China. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and spices before being roasted until tender and juicy. The result is a flavorful and succulent chicken that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
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Roasted Whole Chicken with Delicious Dry Rub
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, White Sugar, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
This recipe uses a flavorful dry rub made with a variety of spices to infuse the chicken with flavor before roasting it in the oven. The result is a juicy and tender chicken with a crispy and flavorful skin that will have everyone asking for more. Serve it with some roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Main Ingredients: Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano
The Instant Pot is a lifesaver when it comes to cooking a whole chicken. This recipe uses a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, honey, and garlic before pressure cooking the chicken to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Whole Chicken Crock Pot
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Rub Seasoning, White Onion, Water
This recipe for Crock Pot whole chicken is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to spend in the kitchen. The chicken is cooked in a savory broth made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, resulting in a tender and flavorful chicken. Serve it with some steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Main Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Meat Seasoning, Sea Salt, Whole Chicken
The air fryer is a great way to cook a whole chicken as it helps to crisp up the skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. This recipe uses a simple marinade of soy sauce, honey, and ginger before air frying the chicken to perfection. The result is a succulent and flavorful chicken that is sure to impress.
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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Garlic
If you love the convenience of a slow cooker, then this recipe for whole chicken is perfect for you. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger, resulting in a tender and juicy chicken with a rich and savory sauce. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Oven Roasted Whole Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Celery, Carrots, Small Onion, Chicken
This classic recipe for oven roasted whole chicken is a staple in many households. The chicken is rubbed with a mixture of herbs and spices and then roasted until golden and crispy. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that is perfect for any occasion.
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Velvet Chicken
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Soy Sauce
This traditional Chinese cooking method involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of egg whites and cornstarch before cooking it in a flavorful sauce. The result is a tender and succulent chicken with a velvety texture that is perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
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Air Fryer Whole Chicken Ingredients
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy a whole chicken, then this air fryer recipe is perfect for you. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and spices before being air fried to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that is sure to impress.
The Perfect Chicken
To make the best Chinese deep-fried whole chicken, you need to start with the perfect chicken. In Chinese cooking, the quality of the meat is crucial, and it is no different when it comes to deep-fried chicken. The ideal chicken for this recipe is a young, free-range bird, preferably raised on a diet of grains and vegetables. This will ensure that the meat is tender and full of flavor. Additionally, it is important to choose a chicken with smooth, unblemished skin, as this will give you that signature crispy texture.
The Secret Ingredient
One of the main reasons why Chinese deep-fried whole chicken is so delicious is the use of five-spice powder. This traditional Chinese spice blend is a combination of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. It adds a unique and complex flavor to the chicken, making it stand out from other fried chicken recipes. You can easily find five-spice powder in most Asian supermarkets or make your own at home.
The Perfect Marinade
To infuse the chicken with flavor, it is essential to marinate it before frying. The marinade typically consists of soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and ginger. The soy sauce adds a savory umami taste, while the rice wine helps to tenderize the meat. The sesame oil and ginger provide a fragrant and spicy kick to the marinade. Make sure to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight, for maximum flavor.
The Frying Process
To achieve the perfect crispy skin, the chicken needs to be deep-fried in hot oil. It is crucial to maintain the oil temperature between 360-375°F (182-190°C) to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the skin becomes crispy. It is also recommended to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or vegetable oil. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it to let the juices redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
The Final Touch
To elevate the flavor and add a touch of freshness, the chicken is usually served with a side of scallions and cilantro. These herbs provide a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the dish. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce, such as a spicy chili sauce or a sweet and sour sauce, for added depth of flavor.
In Conclusion
Chinese deep-fried whole chicken is not just a dish; it is a representation of Chinese culture and tradition. The careful selection of ingredients and the meticulous frying process results in a dish that is full of flavor and texture. Now that you know the secrets to making the perfect Chinese deep-fried whole chicken, it's time to put on your chef's hat and try it out for yourself. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.