Imagine transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy delicacy that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! Tea Smoked Chicken is not just a recipe—it's a magical culinary journey that brings the rich, smoky flavors of traditional Chinese cooking right to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients and a wok, you'll create a dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have your family and friends wondering how you became such a gourmet chef overnight!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup tea leaves (black or green)
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels and trimming any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar to create a marinade. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare your wok by lining the bottom with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Create a smoking mixture by combining the tea leaves and uncooked rice in the bottom of the wok.
- Set up a steaming rack or bamboo steamer inside the wok, ensuring it sits above the tea and rice mixture without touching it directly.
- Cover the wok with a tight-fitting lid and heat on medium-high heat until the tea leaves and rice begin to smoke, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Brush each thigh with sesame oil.
- Place the chicken thighs on the steaming rack, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Cover the wok and smoke the chicken for 25-30 minutes, maintaining a consistent medium heat. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the chicken from the wok and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Tips
- Choose the right tea: While black or green tea works best, experiment with different varieties like Lapsang Souchong for an extra smoky flavor.
- Temperature control is key: Maintain a consistent medium heat to ensure even smoking and prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer: Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Prep your workspace: Line the wok with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and have all ingredients ready before you start.
- Don't rush the marinating process: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for the full 30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the meat to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps retain its juices and ensures maximum tenderness.
- Get creative with garnishes: Try topping with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of additional sesame oil for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 236kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg
