Chinese Five Spice Chicken
A savory Chinese Five Spice Chicken featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce with soy, garlic, vinegar, and aromatic spices, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder ⓘ
- chicken pieces ⓘ
- oil ⓘ
- 1 can French onion soup ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, Chinese five spice powder, garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the marinade.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix French onion soup, tomato soup, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. Additionally, use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a versatile option in your repertoire of chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Five Spice Chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture. This dish also pairs beautifully with Sweet 'N Sour Delight, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Five Spice Chicken contains roughly 881 calories, with 7g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any chicken parts like thighs or drumsticks. Just ensure they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook but can add extra flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you desire a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid naturally.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with white rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. You could also serve it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, a simple cucumber salad works nicely too.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).