Beggar's Chicken (叫化鸡)

Beggar’s Chicken is a traditional Chinese dish with a captivating history. The tale tells of a beggar who, in an attempt to cook discreetly, wrapped a stolen chicken in lotus leaves and clay, burying it to cook. Its aroma caught the attention of a passing emperor, who was so impressed that he elevated it to an imperial dish. This dish is celebrated for its juicy, succulent chicken infused with aromatic lotus leaf and herbs. The slow cooking method ensures the chicken remains tender and flavorful, making it a delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients

• 1 whole 3-4lb whole chicken
• 3 whole lotus leaves
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup rice wine

Instructions

1. Clean and pat dry the chicken, ensuring all excess moisture is removed.
2. In a large bowl, mix soy sauce and rice wine to create a marinade.
3. Submerge the chicken in the marinade, cover, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and wrap it completely in lotus leaves.
6. Carefully coat the wrapped chicken with clay, ensuring all parts are sealed to maintain moisture.
7. Place the clay-covered chicken on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
8. Once cooked, carefully break open the clay crust, discard the lotus leaves, and transfer the chicken to a serving dish.

Keywords: Lotus Leaf, Clay Cooking, Marinated Chicken, Traditional

Spice Rack: Soy Sauce, Rice Wine

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