R.U. Peking? Chicken
A flavorful Asian-inspired chicken dish with a sweet and tangy marinade, perfect for parties or family dinners, featuring bold hoisin, citrus zest, and aromatic scallions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, sherry or Madeira, hoisin sauce, cider vinegar, honey, orange marmalade, minced scallions, minced garlic, minced green pepper, grated lemon rind, and grated orange rind in a saucepan; bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- If using chicken wings, cut off and discard tips and separate wings at joints.
- If using drumsticks, cut or snip at the bottom and push meat up to form a 'drumette' with handle if desired.
- Place chicken in a glass or ceramic bowl; pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and mix well to coat.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Drain and save the marinade for serving or further use.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of sesame oil to the marinade. You can substitute the sherry or Madeira with rice vinegar or white wine if needed. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the honey and orange marmalade slightly. Ensure to marinate the chicken for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor absorption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the R.U. Peking? Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or alongside Yuki'S Fried Rice for a complete meal. A fresh cucumber salad or stir-fried vegetables make great sides as well. Drizzle some of the reserved marinade over the chicken before serving for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Noodle Egg Drop Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken 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 or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of R.U. Peking? Chicken contains roughly 279 calories, with 5g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2379mg per serving (103% 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 other cuts like chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thighs may require a bit longer to cook through, while breasts can be more prone to drying out, so keep an eye on them during the cooking process.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating for at least a few hours will impart flavor, overnight marination allows the chicken to fully absorb the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. If you're short on time, aim for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
Leftover marinade can be used as a sauce or glaze. Make sure to boil it for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken before using it. You can drizzle it over the cooked chicken or use it as a dipping sauce for additional flavor.
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).