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+ servings
soy sauce chicken copycat recipe

Soy Sauce Chicken

Before diving into the savory world of soy sauce chicken, let’s chat about what brings out the dish’s intense flavor. While soy sauce chicken is a star on its own  it plays well with various sides and drinks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken around 4 pounds; preferably organic, free-range, and never frozen
  • 10 cups filtered water
  • 1 ½ cups naturally brewed soy sauce
  • 1 ¼ cups dark soy sauce
  • 1 ½ cups Chinese rose wine Mei Gui Lu or Shaoxing rice wine
  • 1 cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons for balance
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil
  • 7 slices fresh ginger root
  • 2 scallions cut into 3-inch sections and lightly smashed
  • 3 whole star anise pods
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves garlic lightly crushed

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Start by rinsing the chicken thoroughly under cold water. Remove any giblets that may be inside the cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

  • In a large bowl, combine the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rose wine, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This mixture will serve as both a marinade and a cooking broth.

Step 3: Marinate

  • Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is fully immersed. Seal the bag or cover the container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximizing flavor.

Step 4: Prepare for Cooking

  • When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

  • In a large pot, add the neutral cooking oil and heat it over medium-high. Once it's hot, add the ginger, scallions, star anise, cinnamon stick, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant—this should take about a minute.

Step 6: Brown the Chicken

  • Next, place the marinated chicken into the pot, skin side down. Sear on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the skin to develop a golden-brown color. Flip it over gently using tongs.

Step 7: Add the Liquid

  • Carefully pour in the marinade. This gives the chicken a flavorful braising liquid as it cooks. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

  • Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it’s not there yet, reduce the heat slightly and let it cook a little longer.

Step 9: Rest the Chicken

  • Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes. This preserves the juices and improves texture.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

  • Carve the chicken into pieces, drizzle a bit of sauce over it, and serve alongside rice or salad. Garnish with fresh scallions for a pop of color!

Notes

  • Quality Matters: Use high-quality soy sauce. The flavor of your chicken depends on it. Look for brands that are naturally brewed.
  • Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps it retain moisture. Believe me, it’s worth the wait!
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, just increase the sugar in your marinade slightly.
  • Braising Liquid: Save the braising liquid! It tastes incredible drizzled over rice or veggies.
  • Cooking Vessel: A heavy-bottom pot, like a Dutch oven, distributes heat evenly and keeps the moisture locked in.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 22gFat: 8gSodium: 750mgSugar: 3g
Keyword Soy Sauce Chicken
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