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Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe

Mouthwatering Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe for Comforting Nights

This Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe brings tender chicken and a savory broth, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole Chicken (3–4 lbs) Substitute with bone-in chicken thighs for quicker cooking.
For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Light Soy Sauce Contributes brightness and saltiness.
  • 1/2 cup Dark Soy Sauce Adds depth, richness, and color.
  • 1/2 cup Apple Juice Can be replaced with pineapple juice.
  • 1/4 cup Rock Sugar Substitute with brown sugar if unavailable.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Brush on cooked chicken for a glossy finish.
  • 4 slices Ginger Infuses fragrance and warmth.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, smashed Delivers strong flavor.
  • 2 pieces Star Anise Adds unique aromatic spice.
  • 1 piece Cinnamon Stick Introduces warmth to flavor.
  • 3 pieces Bay Leaves Provides earthy undertones.
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan Peppercorns, optional Enhances flavor complexity with mild tingling.
  • 1 stalk Green Onion, tied Used for aromatics in cooking.
For the Sauce
  • 4 cups Water Forms the base of the braising sauce.
  • to taste Salt Enhances flavor; standard table salt works well.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen twine

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat and optionally tie the legs with kitchen twine for even cooking.
  2. Combine the Marinade: In a large pot, combine water, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, apple juice, and rock sugar with ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and Sichuan peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Lower the chicken into the pot, breast-side down, and cover. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is rich brown and cooked through.
  4. Flip and Continue Cooking: Gently flip the chicken, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes, basting periodically with the marinade.
  5. Let It Rest: Turn off the heat and allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for 30-40 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  6. Prepare for Serving: Remove the chicken from the pot and brush the skin with sesame oil. Let it rest for another 10 minutes before cutting into serving pieces.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the chopped pieces on a platter, drizzle with remaining sauce, and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best flavor, allow the chicken to rest in the sauce after cooking, and adjust simmering time based on chicken cut. Use certified gluten-free soy sauce if needed.

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