Soy Sauce Chicken for the Birthday Girl
Celebrate a special day with the rich, savory flavors of "Soy Sauce Chicken for the Birthday Girl," a show-stopping centerpiece that's as comforting as it is indulgent. This Chinese-inspired recipe features a whole chicken gently simmered in a fragrant soy sauce-based broth infused with ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon. Balanced with sweet brown sugar and the deep, earthy notes of Shaoxing wine, the sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The chicken is cooked to juicy perfection, ensuring every bite is tender and succulent. Serve it atop fluffy steamed rice and drizzle with the velvety sauce for an unforgettable meal. Elegant yet easy to prepare, this dish is the ultimate treat for any celebration. Keywords: soy sauce chicken recipe, birthday chicken dish, Chinese simmered chicken, flavorful chicken recipes, easy special occasion meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 piece (about 3 to 4 lbs) Whole chicken
- 1.5 cups Soy sauce
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 5 slices (1/8-inch thick) Ginger
- 4 stalks Green onions
- 6 pieces Garlic cloves
- 3 pieces Star anise
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 0.25 cup Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Clean the chicken thoroughly under cold water, removing excess fat and patting it dry with paper towels. Rub 1 teaspoon of salt all over the chicken, including its cavity.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger slices and fry until aromatic, about 1 minute.
Add the garlic cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the pot and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes to release their fragrance.
Pour in the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the green onions to the pot, laying them out across the bottom. Carefully place the whole chicken into the pot, breast side down, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Use a ladle to drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 30 minutes, flipping the chicken over halfway through to ensure even cooking.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and check the chicken's temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone). It should read 165°F for fully cooked chicken. If needed, simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Once cooked, carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps retain the juices for a tender result.
Meanwhile, skim off any excess fat from the sauce and discard. Adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., adding more sugar or soy sauce to taste). Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and stir.
Carve the rested chicken into serving pieces and arrange them on a platter. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken for added flavor. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Garnish with chopped green onion or cilantro if desired. Enjoy this flavorful soy sauce chicken with steamed rice, making it a memorable birthday meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.5 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 18645 mg | 811% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 198.8 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 146.5 g | ||
| Protein | 66.8 g | 134% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 485 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 14.7 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 2562 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
