Beggar’s Chicken is a traditional Chinese dish that is both flavorful and visually impressive. The dish gets its name from a tale of a beggar who wrapped a chicken in clay and baked it to perfection. The result is a succulent chicken with a crispy exterior and a tantalizing aroma. Here’s how you can make this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice wine, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, ginger, green onions, sliced shiitake mushrooms, sesame oil, brown sugar, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure it is well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Clay Coating:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and water to make a thick paste. This will be used to wrap the chicken.
Wrap the Chicken:
- Lay out a large piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil on a baking tray.
- Spread a thin layer of the flour paste on the parchment paper or foil.
- Place the marinated chicken on top of the paste layer and cover it completely with the remaining flour paste. Ensure the chicken is fully encased to prevent any steam from escaping.
Bake the Chicken:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken. The outer coating will become hard and crispy.
Serving:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Carefully break open the clay coating to reveal the chicken inside. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight.
- Clay Coating: Make sure the clay coating is thick and sealed well to ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestion: Beggar’s Chicken pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the marinade for added aroma.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with a whole cauliflower for a vegetarian twist.
Calories
The calorie content of Beggar’s Chicken can vary depending on the size of the chicken and the amount of oil used. On average, a 4-ounce serving of chicken can contain approximately 250-300 calories. The overall calorie count will increase with the flour paste and any additional ingredients.
Conclusion
Beggar’s Chicken is a unique and delicious dish that brings a touch of Chinese culinary tradition to your table. Its combination of savory flavors and crispy texture makes it a memorable meal for any occasion. With a bit of preparation and patience, you can enjoy this special dish at home, impressing your family and friends with your cooking skills.
