Are you ready to transform an ordinary roast chicken into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? This Chinese Five Spice Roast Chicken is not just a meal, it's a journey through exotic flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of traditional Chinese cuisine. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices, this dish promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent in just over an hour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 teaspoons five spice powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Remove the chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a rack in the middle position of the oven.
- In a small bowl, mix five spice powder, salt, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and soy sauce to create a marinade paste.
- Carefully loosen the chicken skin with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Rub the marinade mixture evenly under the skin and all over the exterior of the chicken.
- Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. If you don't have a rack, create a bed of chopped vegetables like onions and carrots to elevate the chicken.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Every 20 minutes, baste the chicken with its own juices to keep it moist and enhance flavor.
- Once cooked, remove chicken from oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve the chicken and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Always start with a dry chicken: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Pat your chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crisp exterior.
- Room temperature matters: Let your chicken sit out for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even roasting and more consistent results.
- Don't skip the skin massage: Taking time to carefully loosen the skin and rub the marinade underneath will infuse more flavor into the meat.
- Invest in a meat thermometer: The key to perfectly cooked chicken is hitting that 165°F internal temperature - no guesswork needed!
- Basting is crucial: Those 20-minute bastes aren't just for show - they keep the chicken moist and develop a rich, glossy finish.
- Resting is non-negotiable: Those 10-15 minutes of resting after cooking allow the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing juicy meat in every slice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
