When it comes to roasted chicken, few cuisines can rival the richness and complexity of Chinese cooking. From the sweet and sticky glazes of Cantonese roast chicken to the bold flavors of Sichuan spicy roasts, Chinese cuisine offers a world of possibilities when it comes to elevating this humble dish. In this article, we’ll explore 18 crispy Chinese roasted chicken delicacies that will take your taste buds on a journey across China. From classic recipes like Classic Cantonese Roast Chicken and Honey Glazed Chinese Roasted Chicken, to more adventurous takes like Five-Spice Roasted Chicken with Soy Sauce and Tea-Smoked Roasted Chicken, there’s something for every palate and level of cooking expertise.
Classic Cantonese Roast Chicken
A staple of Chinese cuisine, this recipe yields a succulent and flavorful roast chicken with a crispy skin, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp white pepper
– 1 tsp five-spice powder
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey, garlic, white pepper, and five-spice powder.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and drizzle with vegetable oil.
6. Roast the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Honey Glazed Chinese Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roast chicken game with this sweet and savory Honey Glazed Chinese Roasted Chicken recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), patted dry
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Fresh scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the glaze all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Five-Spice Roasted Chicken with Soy Sauce
Elevate your roast chicken game with this savory and aromatic dish, infused with the warmth of five-spices and the richness of soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tsp five-spice powder
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together vegetable oil, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and honey.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic and Ginger Roasted Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic roasted chicken recipe that combines the pungency of garlic with the warmth of ginger, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the garlic-ginger mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and add chicken broth to the bottom of the pan.
7. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Crispy Skin Peking-Style Roast Chicken
Experience the authentic flavors of China with this classic recipe, featuring a succulent roast chicken with crispy, caramelized skin.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp five-spice powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Stuff the cavity with garlic and green onions.
6. Roast the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Sichuan Spicy Roasted Chicken
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this spicy roasted chicken recipe, perfect for those who love a little heat.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chili flakes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and vegetable oil.
3. Add garlic, ginger, toasted Sichuan peppercorns, and chili flakes to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Char Siu-Inspired Roasted Chicken
This recipe takes the classic Chinese barbecue dish, Char Siu, and gives it a twist by applying its sweet and savory flavors to a juicy roasted chicken. The result is a mouthwatering, Asian-inspired main course that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
– 2 tsp five-spice powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), five-spice powder, and garlic powder.
3. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
4. Brush the Char Siu-inspired glaze all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Roast the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tea-Smoked Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this unique tea-smoking method, which adds a subtle floral and herbal flavor to the classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp loose-leaf black tea
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together tea leaves, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the tea mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and place it in a roasting pan.
5. Roast the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Red-Braised Roasted Chicken
This rich and flavorful recipe combines the comfort of roasted chicken with the deep flavors of a classic braise, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Add garlic, red wine, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and cover with a lid.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes total.
Black Pepper Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that highlights the boldness of black pepper.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp coarse black pepper, divided
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, 1 tsp black pepper, and salt.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Orange and Star Anise Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with the warm, aromatic flavors of orange and star anise. This recipe yields a perfectly golden-brown bird with a fragrant, citrusy twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground star anise
– 1 tsp grated orange zest
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, star anise, and orange zest.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with orange juice.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Shaoxing Wine Marinated Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the rich notes of Shaoxing wine with aromatic spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 1/2 cup Shaoxing wine
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Add the chicken to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sticky Soy and Hoisin Roasted Chicken
This sweet and savory roasted chicken recipe is a perfect blend of Asian-inspired flavors, with the sticky soy and hoisin sauce creating a caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic powder.
3. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Brush the sticky sauce all over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the skin is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Scallion and Ginger Oil Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this aromatic and flavorful recipe that combines the pungency of scallions and ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup scallion oil
– 2 cloves fresh ginger, peeled and minced
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, scallion oil, ginger, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chinese BBQ Roasted Chicken Wings
A sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken wings, this recipe combines the flavors of Chinese five-spice powder with the richness of hoisin sauce for a deliciously sticky and flavorful snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Add the chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Remove the wings from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Roast the wings in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Whole Roasted Chicken with Chinese Herbs
This recipe brings together the flavors of traditional roasted chicken and the aromatic properties of Chinese herbs, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and exotic. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously fragrant and juicy whole roasted chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tsp five-spice powder
– 1 tsp dried ginger
– 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together oil, five-spice powder, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sweet and Sour Roasted Chicken Thighs
Savor the tangy sweetness of this flavorful recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying juicy, sticky chicken thighs in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and toss with the sweet and sour mixture until well coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil. Arrange chicken thighs on the sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Oyster Sauce Glazed Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of oyster sauce with the comfort of a classic roast. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Brush the glaze all over the chicken, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped thyme (if using).
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Discover the art of crispy Chinese roasted chicken with these 18 mouth-watering recipes. From classic Cantonese roast chicken to spicy Sichuan versions and sweet tea-smoked delicacies, this collection has something for every taste bud. Try marinating your chicken in Shaoxing wine or Shaoxing wine with soy sauce, or opt for a sweet and sour glaze on your roasted thighs. With a range of flavors from honey glazed to black pepper seasoned, you’re sure to find the perfect recipe to impress your friends and family.