Unlike the Western-style of poaching chicken, this method for drunken chicken calls for vigorously boiling the chicken, then rapidly cooling it down with ice water. This is done twice, which results in the chicken being succulent and juicy. The chicken is then scented and infused with Shaoxing wine and served with the classic ginger and scallion sauce. Shaoxing rice wine is available in Chinese grocery and liquor stores; if you have choices of multiple bottlings, choose the more expensive option for this dish. A bonus of this recipe is the poaching liquid, which is a lovely light broth that can be reserved for soups. Get more of our favorite Chinese chicken recipes →
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 4 to 6 as part of a multi-course meal
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Remove any fat pockets from the chicken. Rub chicken with about 2 tsp. salt. Rinse the chicken under cold water and drain on a rack.
Step 2
In a 6-quart pot, or a pot large enough to fit the chicken, bring 3 quarts cold water to a boil over high heat, covered. Carefully add chicken, breast-side up, adding more boiling water, if necessary, to completely cover chicken. Cover and return to a boil over high heat. When the broth returns to a rolling boil, boil vigorously over high heat, uncovered, 17 minutes, removing any scum that rises to the surface. Remove from heat. Using 2 heavy spoons, carefully transfer hot chicken to a colander in the sink. Slowly pour 4 quarts ice water over the chicken, until chicken is warm to the touch.
Step 3
Return the chicken cooking liquid to a rolling boil over high heat. Again, carefully add the partially cooked chicken, breast-side up, adding more boiling water, if necessary, to completely cover chicken. Return to a boil over high heat, uncovered. When the broth returns to a rolling boil, boil vigorously over high heat, uncovered, 17 minutes, removing any scum that rises to the surface. Remove from heat. Using 2 heavy spoons, carefully transfer hot chicken to a colander in the sink. (The chicken should register 170 degrees when tested with a meat thermometer at the meatiest part of the thigh. If not, return to the pot and simmer several more minutes.) Slowly pour the remaining 4 quarts of ice water over the chicken in the colander, until chicken is warm to the touch. Save the chicken broth and reserve for soups.
Step 4
Place the chicken on a rack and air-dry 30 minutes in a cool and breezy room. Sprinkle the entire surface of the chicken with 3⁄4 tsp. salt. With a meat cleaver, chop the chicken through the bone into bite-size pieces, reserving any chicken juices (or disjoint into serving pieces). Place the chicken in a casserole dish and pour rice wine over the chicken. Cover and marinate 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, occasionally basting chicken with rice wine. Pour reserved juices back into the casserole.
Step 5
Meanwhile, place scallions, ginger, and remaining 1½ tsp. salt in a small heatproof dish. In a small skillet, heat oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully pour hot oil over scallions and ginger. The oil will make a crackling sound as it hits the scallions and ginger. Serve chicken with scallion-ginger sauce at room temperature.
Recipe notes
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