Crispy Chinese 5 Spice Roast Chicken Recipe

Forget bland roast chicken! This recipe elevates the classic Sunday roast to aromatic new heights with a vibrant, intensely flavorful five-spice rub. Imagine juicy, tender chicken, its skin crackling with a beautiful golden-brown crispness, permeated with the warm, complex notes of star anise, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, and fennel seeds. The incredible aroma alone will have your family clamoring for a taste, and the flavour? Prepare to be blown away. This isn't just a roast chicken; it's a culinary adventure.

This recipe uses readily available ingredients to create an unforgettable meal. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the perfect spice rub to achieving that perfect crispy skin and succulent meat. Ready to transform your roast chicken game? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

  • Oven

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken: 1.5 kg
  • Ginger powder
  • Five-spice powder
  • Oyster sauce
  • Spring onions
  • Ginger
  • Chinese cooking wine
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Salt
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

  • Cut the chicken open, following the breastbone. This Chinese style presentation reduces cooking time.
  • Add ginger powder, five-spice powder, oyster sauce, spring onions, and ginger to the opened chicken.
  • Mix the spring onions and ginger with Chinese cooking wine, squeezing out the juice and pouring it over the chicken.
  • Add dark soy sauce and salt. Massage the seasoning into the chicken thoroughly. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
Cut the chicken open, following the breastbone. This Chinese style presentation reduces cooking time.Add ginger powder, five-spice powder, oyster sauce, spring onions, and ginger to the opened chicken.Mix the spring onions and ginger with Chinese cooking wine, squeezing out the juice and pouring it over the chicken.Add dark soy sauce and salt. Massage the seasoning into the chicken thoroughly. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Step 2. First Roast

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roast the chicken for 40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roast the chicken for 40 minutes.
First Roast

Step 3. Prepare and Apply Glaze (Optional)

  • This adds color and glaze.)
Collect the marination juice. Add brown sugar and honey, stirring to combine. (Optional: This adds color and glaze.)
Prepare and Apply Glaze (Optional)

Step 4. Second Roast and Finish

  • After 40 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Rub the marination juice onto the surface.
  • Return the chicken to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes.
After 40 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Rub the marination juice onto the surface.Return the chicken to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes.
Second Roast and Finish

Read more: Super Easy Fall-Off-Bone Chinese Style Ribs: One-Pot Recipe

Tips

  • Take your time massaging the seasoning into the chicken to ensure even flavor.
  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-ground five-spice powder?

Yes, but freshly grinding your own five-spice blend will result in a more vibrant and aromatic flavor. If using pre-ground, be sure it's high quality.

2. How do I get the skin extra crispy?

Pat the chicken very dry before applying the spice rub. Roast at a higher temperature (425°F/220°C) for a crispier skin, and consider using a rack to allow air to circulate.


This Crispy Chinese Five Spice Roast Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and aromatic twist on a classic dish. From the perfectly crisp skin to the succulent, flavorful meat, it's a recipe you'll want to make again and again. Enjoy the compliments and savor every bite!