Chinese Roast Chicken Or Chuck
A flavorful Chinese-style roast chicken with sweet, savory, and umami notes from soy, honey, whiskey, and hoisin, perfect for gatherings or a special meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rub the outside of the chicken with shoyu, sugar, honey, whiskey, and hoisin sauce. Let stand overnight in the refrigerator.
- Rub the inside of the chicken with salt and ajinomoto.
- Place the chicken on a rack and roast at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes.
- Cover the chicken with foil and continue roasting for another 60 minutes.
- Remove the foil and raise the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Roast for an additional 15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight, allowing the shoyu, honey, and whiskey to deeply penetrate the meat. If you don't have whiskey, a splash of rice wine or apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the marinade. This recipe is part of the broader category of Chinese recipes that emphasize bold flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this roast chicken with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Spinach-Chicken Dumplings for a delightful contrast in textures. Add a side of pickled vegetables to enhance the meal's flavors and provide a refreshing crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover roast chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For a quick option, microwave in short intervals, checking for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Roast Chicken Or Chuck contains roughly 60 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% 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 meats instead of chicken?
Yes, this marinade works well with pork or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins will require different roasting times. Ensure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer if using pork.
What can I do if I don't have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce isn't available, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts of soy sauce and peanut butter, adding a dash of honey for sweetness. This will mimic the sweet and savory profile of hoisin sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced.
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).