Chinese Five-Spice Chicken
This is my Chinese five spice chicken with glossy skin, juicy meat and so much umami.
The juicy chicken is coated in a delicious sauce that is aromatic thanks to the use of Chinese five-spice! It smells amazing and tastes even better. It’s only 5-ingredients, so it's super easy to make - just marinate, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, especially if you've got an air fryer.
Hey, I'm Verna!
About this recipe
This Chinese Five-Spice Chicken is a flavour-packed dish that's delightfully simple to prepare.
The magic lies in the Chinese five-spice powder -a fragrant blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. This aromatic mix creates a perfectly balanced marinade, combining savoury, sweet, and floral notes that elevate the chicken to new flavours.
But what exactly is five-spice powder, you ask? It’s a traditional blend of warming spices native to China, designed to hit all the taste buds: sweet, savoury, salty, bitter, and spicy.
This complex seasoning works beautifully with meats like chicken and beef and is even used in unique recipes like marinated eggs.
In this recipe, juicy chicken thighs are marinated to absorb all those bold flavours and then roasted to golden, tender perfection.
It’s a dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavour with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a gathering.
Pair it with steamed rice, stir-fried greens, or noodles for a satisfying meal that's sure to wow your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1kg chicken thighs, boneless and preferably with skin
For marinating:
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For basting:
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine the five-spice powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
2. Cook the chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice and your favourite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs are actually more flavourful and stay juicier. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Can I make this dish without the five-spice powder?
You can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, clove, and star anise, or simply leave it out for a milder flavour profile.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). The juices should run clear when you pierce the thickest part.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What should I serve with Chinese five-spice chicken?
Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried greens, or a simple cucumber salad all pair beautifully.
Video demonstration
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