Chinese Five Spice Chicken Recipe
Ready for a flavor-packed journey to your own kitchen table? Chinese Five Spice Chicken is the ultimate answer when you want something bold, aromatic, and a little bit magical. The blend of warm spices, umami-packed marinade, and juicy roasted chicken creates a dish that will steal the show at any dinner. It’s a simple bake that brings the complex, comforting flavors of Chinese cooking right to your home—no takeout menu required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Chinese Five Spice Chicken recipe lies in how a few good ingredients can unlock amazing flavors. Each item below plays a starring role in creating a harmonious balance—nothing fancy or hard to find, but each one truly matters.
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks (2 pounds, bone-in, skin-on): These cuts stay juicy and tender, soaking up all that spiced marinade for maximum flavor.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds saltiness and depth, forming the savory backbone of the marinade.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Offers a sweet and tangy richness that makes the chicken irresistible.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the salt and spice while helping the skin caramelize to a gorgeous golden color.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides just the right tang, brightening every bite.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dish with nutty fragrance and traditional flavor.
- Chinese five spice powder (2 teaspoons): The heart of the recipe, supplying warm, complex notes from its blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorn, and fennel.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gives a punchy bite and vibrant aroma.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Invigorates the marinade with gentle heat and zing.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Intensifies all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out the savoriness with a mild kick.
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Add crunch and color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl or zip-top bag, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough whisk (or shake if using a bag) until the mixture is smooth and deeply aromatic—this is where all that flavorful magic begins!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks to your marinade. Toss well to coat each piece, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, let the chicken marinate overnight—the deeper the soak, the more incredible your Chinese Five Spice Chicken will taste.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and set a wire rack over the top. This gives the chicken air circulation so the skin crisps up beautifully instead of steaming on the pan.
Step 4: Bake and Crisp
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up on the wire rack. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For that extra crackly skin, broil on high for a final 2 to 3 minutes—but keep your eyes peeled to prevent burning. The result is sticky, shiny, and beautifully spiced chicken.
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This step makes it even juicier. Sprinkle on sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and a satisfying crunch. Now you’re ready to serve up the most mouthwatering Chinese Five Spice Chicken you’ve ever made!
How to Serve Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Garnishes
To really make your Chinese Five Spice Chicken shine, shower the platter with plenty of sliced green onions and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. These add freshness and a bit of crunch. If you like a hint of heat, a few thinly sliced red chilies are lovely too.
Side Dishes
This superstar chicken loves classic sides. Fluffy steamed jasmine rice makes a perfect base for soaking up juicy drippings. Stir-fried vegetables or bok choy pair beautifully with the bold flavors. For a cozy twist, try a chilled cucumber salad or crisp Asian slaw alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not build a family-style feast? Arrange the chicken on a big platter, scattered with fresh herbs. Or, shred the meat and tuck it into soft lettuce leaves for spicy wraps. Leftovers? They transform beautifully into cold noodle bowls or a savory topping for fried rice—the possibilities keep your meal exciting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Chinese Five Spice Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and honestly, the spices often taste even deeper the next day. For best results, remove garnishes before refrigerating and add fresh ones when serving again.
Freezing
This chicken also freezes wonderfully! Place cooled pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure they’re well sealed. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, pop the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and crispy, about 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave pieces for a speedy lunch, though the skin won’t be quite as crisp. A squeeze of fresh lime over the reheated chicken really perks up the flavor!
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for Chinese Five Spice Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well here—just reduce the baking time by about 10–15 minutes since they cook faster. You’ll get all the flavor without the bones, but the skin does help keep things moist and delicious.
What if I don’t have a wire rack for baking?
No problem! You can bake Chinese Five Spice Chicken directly on a foil-lined baking sheet. The bottom might not crisp up quite as much, but the flavor will still be fantastic. Flip the pieces once halfway through baking for best results.
Is Chinese five spice powder very spicy?
Not at all! It’s more about warmth and complexity from the blend of spices, not heat. If you prefer a bit of fire, you can always add a pinch of chili flakes to your marinade.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Definitely! Toss the marinated chicken on a preheated grill over medium heat, cooking for about 6–7 minutes per side. The grill will give you bonus smoky flavor and beautifully charred edges.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Just opt for gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and make sure your hoisin sauce is labeled gluten-free as well. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy Chinese Five Spice Chicken with zero worries!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that makes dinner feel extra special with hardly any fuss, Chinese Five Spice Chicken is the answer. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at just how much depth and joy a handful of pantry staples can deliver. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chinese Five Spice Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (active time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Five Spice Chicken recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the warm, spicy notes of Chinese five spice powder with savory soy sauce and honey. Baked to crispy perfection, it’s a perfect main course for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Marinade:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Chinese five spice powder, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange marinated chicken on the rack, skin-side up, and bake for 35–40 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Garnish: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- You can also grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side.
- This marinade works well with boneless chicken breasts or thighs—adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers are delicious cold or in wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 pieces
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
