Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds
- 1 cup goji berries
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chestnuts, peeled and halved
- 1 cup glutinous rice, soaked in water for 2 hours
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen twine
- Large baking dish
- Steamer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
4. In a bowl, mix together the goji berries, shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine.
5. Stuff the chicken with the mixture and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
6. Drain the glutinous rice and spread it evenly on a large piece of parchment paper.
7. Place the chicken on top of the rice and wrap the parchment paper tightly around the chicken, making sure there are no gaps.
8. Tie the parchment paper with kitchen twine to secure the package.
9. Place the chicken package in a large baking dish and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
10. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
11. Carefully unwrap the parchment paper and transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
12. Serve hot with the glutinous rice, goji berries, shiitake mushrooms, and chestnuts.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 580
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 40g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of goji berries, you can use dried cranberries or raisins.
- Instead of shiitake mushrooms, you can use button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.
- Instead of chestnuts, you can use walnuts or pecans.
- Instead of glutinous rice, you can use regular rice or quinoa.
Variations:
- You can add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as carrots, celery, or onions.
- You can use different herbs and spices to season the chicken, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
- You can use different types of wine, such as red wine or white wine.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to tie the parchment paper tightly around the chicken to prevent any steam from escaping.
- You can marinate the chicken overnight for more flavor.
- You can use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165°F.
Storage instructions:
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the chicken, wrap it in foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken on a large platter with the goji berries, shiitake mushrooms, and chestnuts arranged around it.
Garnishes:
Garnish the chicken with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried noodles
- Vegetable stir-fry
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is not cooked through after 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can bake it for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- If the rice is not fully cooked, you can add a little bit of water and bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling the chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
- Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Beggar's Chicken is a traditional Chinese dish that originated in the Jiangsu province. The name comes from the legend that a beggar stole a chicken and cooked it by wrapping it in mud and baking it in a fire. The dish became popular among the wealthy and was eventually refined into the version we know today.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a savory and slightly sweet flavor, with the goji berries adding a subtle fruity note.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this dish as a main course for a special occasion or dinner party.
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Region: Chinese