
Five spice chicken
You just have to try this five spice chicken recipe, it does take a little preparation but the ingredients are few and the cooking process takes just a few minutes. You can keep it in the fridge overnight for use the next day if you like, so get the preparation out of the way when you know you are going to be at home for a few hours. It is really delicious with a sweet and spicy, not hot skin that is unbelievably good. (4 people)
What you need
1 large whole chicken
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Chinese five spice
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar
Oil
The process
Take a large pot that the whole chicken will fit into easily and fill ½ way up with water. Bring the water to the boil. Remove from the heat and submerge the chicken in the boiling water. Cover the pot and leave for 30 minutes. This partly cooks the chicken and allows it to absorb extra water.
Remove the chicken and set on a rack to drain. Pat dry with a clean cloth.
Now combine the honey, five spice and vinegar together in a bowl and mix well to combine.
Place the chicken on a plate and brush the skin with the glaze mixture and place in the fridge for 20 minutes. Repeat this process about 4 times until there is no glaze left over.
After the last glaze leave it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, then use kitchen scissors to cut into 4 portions.
When you are ready to cook, heat enough oil in a pot on high or almost smoking to cover the chicken pieces. When it reaches the smoking level, reduce the heat to medium and use tongs to add each piece to the oil.
Deep fry for 5 minutes and once done set aside on absorbent paper to drain.
It’s really good I tell you. Here are a few other Chinese recipes for you to try.
Hi
If you’re in the cape town area, there is a chinese take aways called Mr Foo, i buy all my chinese condiments there, they have 5 spice amongst other things
Thanks Shakira, here is their foursquare page, https://foursquare.com/v/mr-foo/4d9b55cb17a4236a7ec4de59
Hi Graham. I have also looked at Pick n Pay/Checkers and have not been able to find this spice anywhere. Please can you let me know where to buy it. Thanx Gail
Hi Gail, Chinese five spice is available all over, made up of star anise, fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon and Szechuan peppercorns. Try asking the store manager if you cannot find it. Cheers G
Hi Graham,
This sounds delicious – just one question, what exactly is ‘chinese 5 spice’ as I’ve never heard of it.
Thanks
Hi Wendy, Chinese 5 spice is available in all supermarkets these days. It is a pre mixed combination of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel. There are also combinations which include ginger. Enjoy it. G