Chinese Roast Chicken

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Chinese

Juicy Chinese roast chicken stuffed with a flavorful mix of nuts, apples, and vegetables, then glazed with honey and soy sauce for a savory-sweet finish. Perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 onion
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 1 or 2 apples
  • 1 small box raisins
  • 6 to 8 oz. walnuts

Instructions

  1. Combine chopped onion, celery, apples, raisins, and walnuts.
  2. Mix well and stuff the mixture inside the chicken.
  3. Baste the chicken with soy sauce, then honey.
  4. Cover and bake at 350°F for 2 hours.
  5. Baste the chicken every 20 to 30 minutes during baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider adding ginger or garlic to the stuffing mix. You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy flavor, or use pecans instead of walnuts if preferred. Ensure the chicken is well-basted throughout cooking to achieve a golden, caramelized skin. Make sure to let the chicken rest after baking for juicier meat. This recipe is reminiscent of other delicious Chinese recipes, enhancing your culinary repertoire.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the roast chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious juices. A side of stir-fried vegetables, like snow peas with water chestnuts, complements the dish beautifully. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or a refreshing cucumber salad. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or special occasion.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Chinese 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 for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid drying out the meat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chinese Roast Chicken contains roughly 572 calories, with 8g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1324mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).

572 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.7g 15% DV
Total Fat 16.2g 21% DV
Carbs 109.9g 40% DV
Fiber 2.9g 10% DV
Sugar 97.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1323.7mg 58% DV
Potassium 428.5mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 5.1mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.4mcg
Vitamin C 7.9mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 48.4mg 4% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Soy Tree nuts

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 prepare the stuffing in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to stuff the chicken. Make sure to bring the stuffing to room temperature before using it to ensure even cooking.

What is the best way to know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced, not pink.

Can I use a different type of chicken?

You can use other cuts of chicken, such as bone-in thighs or drumsticks, though cooking times will vary. Make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and ensure that all pieces reach the safe cooking temperature of 165°F.

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).

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