How to Make Chinese-Style Soy Sauce Chicken at Home

1. Introduction to Soy Sauce Chicken
2. Key Ingredients for Soy Sauce Chicken
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soy Sauce Chicken
4. Tips for Perfecting Soy Sauce Chicken
5. Recommended Products and Where to Buy

1. Introduction to Soy Sauce Chicken

Chinese-style soy sauce chicken is a delicious, savory dish that has been a favorite in Chinese cuisine for generations. The dish’s appeal lies in its simplicity – tender chicken simmered in a flavorful soy sauce-based marinade. This easy-to-make recipe delivers the authentic taste of Chinese cooking right in your own kitchen, allowing you to experience the aromatic, rich flavor that soy sauce brings to the chicken. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or looking to impress guests, this dish is sure to be a hit!

2. Key Ingredients for Soy Sauce Chicken

The key to perfecting Chinese-style soy sauce chicken lies in the ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients that you’ll need:

Whole chicken or chicken parts: Traditionally, a whole chicken is used, but chicken thighs or drumsticks also work well for this recipe.
Soy sauce: The heart of the dish. Dark soy sauce adds depth and color, while light soy sauce balances the saltiness.
Shaoxing wine: This Chinese rice wine gives the chicken an added layer of flavor and complexity.
Ginger and garlic: These aromatics bring freshness and heat to the marinade.
Rock sugar: Used to balance the salty and umami flavors of the soy sauce with a hint of sweetness.
Five-spice powder: A key seasoning that gives soy sauce chicken its distinctive, warm, aromatic flavor.
Spring onions: Used for garnish and to add a slight oniony crispness.

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, you’re ready to start making the soy sauce chicken!

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soy Sauce Chicken

Here’s how you can prepare this flavorful dish at home:

Prepare the chicken: If using a whole chicken, rinse it thoroughly and remove any excess fat. Pat it dry with paper towels. If using parts, make sure they’re bone-in for more flavor.
Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, ginger, garlic, rock sugar, and five-spice powder. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in the marinade and let it soak for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
Cook the chicken: In a large pot or wok, add the marinated chicken along with the marinade. Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring the liquid to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it chopped into pieces, garnished with sliced spring onions. You can serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

4. Tips for Perfecting Soy Sauce Chicken

To ensure that your soy sauce chicken turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Marinate overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken parts yield a more flavorful broth and tender meat.
Control the sweetness: Adjust the amount of rock sugar to match your preference for sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar slightly.
Simmer gently: Simmer the chicken over low heat to keep it tender and prevent it from drying out.
Try adding mushrooms: For a richer broth, add shiitake mushrooms or any other variety of your choice.