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Pollo Pekin: A Deliciously Authentic Chinese Chicken Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Sear the chicken in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  9. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe overview

This Pollo Pekin recipe brings together the flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine with a delicious twist. Tender boneless chicken thighs are marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices, then seared and baked to perfection. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a hint of Asian-inspired flair. Serve this Pollo Pekin garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a stunning presentation that will impress your family and friends.

TimeApprox. 45 min
ServingsThis recipe serves approximately 4-6 people.
CaloriesApprox. 325
Print recipe

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
    Yes, you can use chicken breast if preferred, but be mindful of potentially shorter cooking times to prevent dryness.
  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Absolutely, the chicken can be marinated ahead of time to save on prep time when you're ready to cook.
  3. Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?
    If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can use oyster sauce as a substitute for a similar flavor profile.
  4. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
    Yes, you can grill the marinated chicken thighs for a delicious charred flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Oven-safe skillet - Needed for searing the chicken on the stovetop and then transferring it to the oven for baking.
  • Whisk - Used for mixing the marinade ingredients together thoroughly.
  • Resealable plastic bag - Ideal for marinating the chicken, ensuring it is well coated with the marinade.
  • Grater - Essential for grating fresh ginger to add flavor to the marinade.
  • Tongs - Helpful for flipping and handling the chicken while searing and baking.
  • Sharp knife - Needed for slicing the cooked chicken before serving.
  • Oven mitts - Essential for safely handling the hot skillet when transferring it from the stovetop to the oven.

Origin stories

Peking chicken, also known as "pollo pekin," is believed to have originated in Beijing, China. It is inspired by traditional Chinese flavors and cooking techniques, resulting in a delicious and savory dish loved by many around the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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