Table of Contents
Introduction
Soy Sauce Chicken is a beloved dish in Cantonese cuisine, known for its glossy amber skin, floral aroma, and savory-sweet flavor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every essential step to make an authentic Cantonese Rose Soy Sauce Chicken, just like the ones you’d find in a traditional Guangdong kitchen.
Prepare Ingredients and Chicken
Step 1:Prep the Chicken
- Clean the chicken thoroughly.
- Perform a hot-cold shock blanch: dip in simmering water for 10–20 seconds, then into ice water. This step is key for tender Soy Sauce Chicken with tight, shiny skin.
Step 2: Make the Braising Sauce
- Heat peanut oil in a wok or deep pot.
- Add ginger and shallots, sauté until fragrant.
- Add soy sauces, rose wine, rice wine, and water.
- Stir in rock sugar until dissolved.
- Optional: add whole spices for a deeper aromatic base.
- This broth will serve as the base for your Soy Sauce Chicken and can be reused multiple times.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
- Place the chicken breast side down in the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for 18 minutes, turning once halfway.
Step 4:Coloring
Baste with the sauce several times for even coloring and flavor absorption.
This slow simmer is the secret to juicy, flavorful Soy Sauce Chicken.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
- Remove and hang the chicken or rest it on a rack.
- Reduce the sauce slightly to a glaze.
Step 6: Enhance the flavor of chicken skin
Brush maltose syrup (thinned with warm water) onto the skin while warm.
This glossy finish is a signature touch of Cantonese Soy Sauce Chicken, especially in restaurant settings.
What makes Soy Sauce Chicken different from regular poached chicken?
The soy-based broth adds layers of umami, sweetness, and fragrance, creating a deeper flavor profile compared to plain poaching.
Can I store leftover Soy Sauce Chicken?
Yes! Let it cool, then store in an airtight container with some of the sauce. It keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days and tastes even better the next day.
Is rose wine necessary for Soy Sauce Chicken?
For traditional Rose Soy Sauce Chicken, yes. But if unavailable, you can substitute with Shaoxing wine and a touch of rose extract or omit it entirely for a simpler version.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered the secrets of Rose Soy Sauce Chicken, it’s time to bring this Cantonese classic into your own kitchen. Serve it with fragrant jasmine rice, a simple soy dipping sauce, and perhaps some stir-fried greens for a perfect meal. Want more classic Chinese recipes like this one? Explore our Cantonese recipe collection.
