Soy sauce chicken

A traditional Chinese dish made with chicken and soy sauce

Soy Sauce Chicken

Soy sauce chicken served with rice

Soy sauce chicken (Chinese: ___) is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, particularly popular in Cantonese cuisine. It is made by poaching a whole chicken in a flavorful broth made primarily of soy sauce, along with other ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and star anise. The dish is known for its rich, savory flavor and tender, juicy meat.

Preparation

The preparation of soy sauce chicken involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The chicken is then poached in a broth that includes soy sauce, water, ginger, garlic, and various spices. The poaching process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the broth, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and aromatic.

Ingredients

• Whole chicken
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Star anise
• Sugar
• Water
• Optional: Shaoxing wine, scallions, cinnamon

Cooking Method

1. Marinate the Chicken: The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices for several hours to enhance its flavor. 2. Prepare the Broth: A broth is prepared using soy sauce, water, ginger, garlic, and star anise. Additional ingredients such as Shaoxing wine and scallions may be added for extra flavor. 3. Poach the Chicken: The marinated chicken is gently poached in the broth until it is fully cooked. This method ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy. 4. Rest and Serve: After poaching, the chicken is allowed to rest before being chopped into pieces and served.

Serving

Soy sauce chicken is typically served with steamed white rice or noodles. It can be garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro for added freshness. The dish is often accompanied by a side of the poaching broth, which can be used as a sauce.

Cultural Significance

Close-up of soy sauce chicken

Soy sauce chicken is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is commonly found in Chinese restaurants around the world. It is a popular choice for family meals and special occasions due to its rich flavor and relatively simple preparation. The dish is also a common offering in Chinese barbecue shops, where it is displayed alongside other roasted meats.

Variations

While the traditional recipe for soy sauce chicken is widely followed, there are several regional variations. Some versions may include additional spices such as cinnamon or cloves, while others might use different types of soy sauce to achieve a unique flavor profile. In some regions, the dish is served cold as an appetizer.

Related pages

• Chinese cuisine
• Cantonese cuisine
• Soy sauce
• Poaching (cooking)
• Chinese barbecue