Tea-Smoked Peking Chicken |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 20 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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This whole chicken is simmered in an aromatic soy-based broth, then smoked. A mixture of rice, tea leaves and brown sugar is used to smoke this traditional chicken dish giving it a distinctly unique flavor. âMay Der, South Pasadena, California Ingredients:
3 tablespoons sichuan peppercorns |
3 tablespoons salt |
1 whole broiler/fryer chicken (4 to 5 pounds) |
8 cups water |
1 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce |
2 green onions, sliced |
3 slices fresh gingerroot |
2 whole star anise |
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches) |
1 teaspoon chinese five-spice powder |
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice |
1/2 cup loose black tea leaves |
1/2 cup packed brown sugar |
1 teaspoon sesame oil |
Directions:
1. Place peppercorns in a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle; grind until coarsely ground. Place peppercorns and salt in a dry small skillet; toast over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until aromatic, stirring occasionally. Cool completely.
2. Pat chicken dry; rub peppercorn mixture over the outside and inside of chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. In a stockpot, combine the water, soy sauce, green onions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick and five-spice powder; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
4. Add chicken. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 35-40 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°, turning chicken once. Remove chicken; discard cooking liquid.
5. Line the bottom of a clean stockpot with a double thickness of foil. Sprinkle the rice, tea leaves and brown sugar over foil; place a wire rack over rice mixture. Place chicken on rack breast side up.
6. Cook over low heat until rice mixture begins to smoke. Cover pot tightly with foil; place lid on top. Smoke for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is golden brown.
7. Remove chicken; brush with sesame oil. Let stand 15 minutes before carving. Chicken may also be served cold. To serve cold, cool chicken slightly; cover and refrigerate until chilled. Yield: 6 servings.
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