Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe is a timeless dish beloved by many. Its savory Chicken, fragrant Rice, and tantalizing sauces bring comfort and satisfaction to every bite. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps to make this delicious, Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe meal from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe is easy to prepare and offers a deep taste of authentic Chinese flavors right in your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe For the Roasted Chicken

- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine Rice
- 4 cups chicken stock (or water)
- 2 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- Salt to taste
For the Dipping Sauces:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chilli paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prepping the Chicken: Start by washing the whole Chicken thoroughly. Pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the Chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and rice wine. Let it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour, or preferably a full overnight in the fridge.
- Roasting the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Now place the marinated Chicken on a roasting rack in a baking tray. Roast it for 45–60 minutes, basting occasionally with the marinade. The chicken skin should become golden and crispy. Once the Chicken ultimately reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F), it’s ready to be removed from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Cooking the Rice While the Chicken is roasting, rinse the jasmine rice in fresh cold water until the water runs clear. Heat the fresh chicken fat or oil in a large, clean pot and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the Rice and stir carefully for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the Rice is well-coated with the fat. Then, pour in the chicken stock (or water) and boil. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Then let the Rice simmer for 18–20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Making the Dipping Sauces In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili paste (if using), and sugar to create the dipping sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serving the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe Once the Chicken has rested, carve it into serving pieces. Spoon the fragrant Rice into bowls. Place the Chicken on top or alongside the Rice. Drizzle with the dipping sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while warm.
Serving and Enjoying the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
When serving the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe, ladle the Rice into warm bowls. Place slices of the roasted Chicken neatly on top or beside the Rice, ensuring each bite gets a little bit of everything. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavorful Rice should be savored together, delighting each spoonful. The dipping sauce adds an attractive extra layer of flavor, so don’t forget to drizzle it over the Chicken or mix it with the Rice. This comforting Chicken dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Here are some Chef’s Tips to make the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe even more flavorful and authentic
1. Use the Right Chicken for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Whole Chicken: Use a whole chicken with skin for the best flavor and texture. The skin helps moisten the meat and adds a crispy texture when roasted.
- Free-range Chicken: If possible, use free-range Chicken for better taste and a more tender texture.
2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Marinate overnight: For the most flavorful Chicken, marinate it for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. The marinade should include soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, fresh garlic, and a bit of honey or sugar for caramelization.
- Massage the marinade: Rub the marinade directly into the Chicken’s skin and flesh. Let it sit in the fridge to absorb all the flavors.
3. Perfect Roasting Technique for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- High heat at first: Roast the Chicken at a high temperature, probably around 200°C or 400°F, for the first 20 minutes to ensure the skin gets crispy. Then, lower the temperature to about 180°C (350°F) for the remaining time to cook the Chicken through.
- Baste the Chicken: Periodically baste the Chicken with the marinade to keep it moist and give it a beautiful golden color.
4. Enhance the Rice Flavor for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Cook Rice in chicken fat: After roasting the Chicken, use the rendered chicken fat to cook the Rice. This adds a rich, savory flavor to the Rice. If you don’t have chicken fat, use vegetable oil or a little butter for a delicious substitute.
- Infuse with garlic and ginger: Sauté garlic and ginger in the fat before adding the Rice. This gives the Rice a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
5. Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your Rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the Rice cook up fluffy and non-sticky.
- Use chicken stock: Cook the Rice in chicken stock (instead of water) for added richness and flavor.
6. Crispy Skin Tip for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Dry the skin: Before marinating, pat the chicken dry with clean paper towels to remove any excess moisture carefully. This ensures the skin becomes extra crispy when roasted.
- Optional broiling step: For an even crispier skin, finish the Chicken under the broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7. Master the Dipping Sauce for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Make your dipping sauce with freshly minced garlic and ginger. This will give it an intense flavor that complements the roasted Chicken.
- Adjust sweetness and spiciness: Taste the dipping sauce before serving. Sweeten it with sugar or fresh honey, and spice it with chili paste or freshly chopped chilies.
8. Rest the Chicken for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Let the chicken rest: Once roasted, rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. This redistributes the juices, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.
9. Garnishing Tips for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Cilantro and scallions: Garnish the dish with fresh and finely chopped green onions for extra freshness and color.
- Lime wedges: Serve the recipe with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice elevates the flavors and gives the dish a light, tangy finish.
10. Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
- Serve hot: The Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe is best enjoyed immediately after it’s prepared while the Rice is warm, the Chicken is crispy, and the flavors are at their peak.
- Pair with vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, serve this dish with simple stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or snow peas.
With these chef’s tips, your Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe will become even more flavorful, tender, and satisfying. Happy cooking!
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe based on typical ingredients and serving sizes. This estimate is for one serving (1/4 of the Chicken, 1/4 of the Rice, and accompanying sauces)
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories:
- Chicken (roasted, with skin): ~300–350 kcal
- Rice (cooked in chicken fat): ~250–300 kcal
- Dipping sauce (small amount): ~30–50 kcal
- Total: ~580–700 kcal
Macronutrients:
- Protein:
- Chicken: 30–40g
- Rice: 4–5g
- Total: ~34–45g
- Fat:
- Chicken (skin and fat): 20–25g
- Rice (from chicken fat/oil): 6–10g
- Total: ~26–35g
- Carbohydrates:
- Rice: 45–55g
- Total: ~45–55g
- Fiber:
- Rice: 1–2g
- Total: ~1–2g
Micronutrients:
- Vitamin A: ~10–15% of daily value (from the chicken skin, ginger, and garlic)
- Vitamin C: ~5–10% of daily value (from the ginger, garlic, and fresh cilantro)
- Calcium: ~3–5% of daily value (from the Chicken and herbs)
- Iron: ~6–10% of daily value (from the Chicken and Rice)
- Sodium: ~500–800 mg (based on soy sauce and other seasonings)
- Tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.
Cholesterol:
- Chicken: 80–100mg
- The skin and fat of the Chicken contribute to the cholesterol content.
Health Tips:
- Lowering calories: You can reduce the calorie content by removing the skin from the Chicken before serving or using skinless chicken parts.
- Boosting fiber: To increase the fiber content of your meal, serve vegetables, like steamed bok choy or stir-fried mushrooms, as a side dish.
- Sodium: If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for low-sodium fresh soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium in the dish.
This Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe dish is balanced, providing a good source of protein, healthy fats (if using less skin or fat), and carbohydrates. If you want to make the recipe lighter, these adjustments can help you maintain the flavors while lowering the calorie content.
Here are some related recipe names that align with the flavors and style of the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
1. Hainanese Chicken Rice (Classic Version)
- This is a simpler version of Chinese roasted chicken rice, where the Chicken is poached instead of roasted and served with a flavorful ginger-scallion sauce and aromatic Rice.
2. Cantonese Roast Chicken with Rice
- A Cantonese-style roast chicken, typically marinated in soy sauce and five-spice powder, roasted to perfection, and served with steamed Rice, often accompanied by a side of stir-fried vegetables.
3. Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai)
- This is a Thai variation similar to Hainanese chicken rice. It features poached or roasted Chicken served with Rice cooked in chicken fat, accompanied by a spicy chilli-garlic dipping sauce and a tangy ginger sauce.
4. Soy Sauce Chicken Rice
- A Chinese dish involves simmering Chicken in a soy sauce-based broth until tender, then serving it with Rice flavored by the broth, often garnished with green onions.
5. Malaysian Nasi Ayam (Chicken Rice)
- A Malaysian version of chicken rice, where the Chicken is either poached or roasted, served with fragrant Rice, cucumber slices, and a variety of dipping sauces, such as chili or ginger sauce.
6. Chinese Char Siu Chicken Rice
- This recipe replaces roasted Chicken with char siu-style (Chinese BBQ) Chicken, marinated in a sweet soy glaze and served with Rice, often accompanied by pickled vegetables.
7. Indonesian Nasi Goreng Ayam (Chicken Fried Rice)
- This delicious fried rice Chicken dish is made with leftover roasted or grilled Chicken, stir-fried with vegetables, garlic, and fresh soy sauce, and topped with a fried egg.
8. Vietnamese Com Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)
- A Vietnamese dish similar to Chinese roasted chicken rice, where the Chicken is poached and the Rice is cooked with chicken broth for added flavor. It’s often served with fresh herbs and a light dipping sauce.
9. Chinese Five-Spice Roast Duck with Rice
- If you’re in the mood for duck instead of Chicken, this recipe offers roasted duck flavored with Chinese five-spice powder, served with the same fragrant Rice and dipping sauces.
10. Chinese Lemon Chicken with Rice
- A flavorful Chinese chicken dish involves roasting or stir-frying Chicken and serving it with a tangy lemon sauce. The dish is complemented by steamed Rice and stir-fried vegetables.
These related recipes are all variations of flavorful Chicken and rice dishes, drawing inspiration from different parts of Asia, particularly China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand. They offer similar aromatic components, such as marinated meats, fragrant Rice, and complementary dipping sauces.
FAQ: Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe
1. Can I use boneless Chicken for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe?
Ans: Yes, boneless Chicken works well, but the skin and bones add extra flavour to the dish.
2. Can I make the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe ahead of time?
Ans: You can prepare the fresh Chicken and Rice in advance and reheat them when needed.
3. Is marinating the Chicken necessary for the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe?
Ans: While marinating is not mandatory, it enhances the Chicken’s flavour and tenderness.
4. Can I make the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe without chicken stock?
Ans: You can use water or vegetable broth, but chicken stock gives the Rice a richer flavour.
5. What can I serve with the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe?
Ans: A side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple soup pairs perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe brings the delicious flavors of China into your home kitchen. With juicy roasted Chicken, fragrant Rice, and flavorful dipping sauces, this Perfect Chinese Roasted Chicken Rice Recipe dish will impress family and friends. The combination of tender Chicken, savory Rice, and aromatic sauces will make your meal memorable. Try it out and enjoy the taste of Chinese cuisine!