Oriental Herb-Infused Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're craving a dish that's both aromatic and satisfying, this Oriental Herb-Infused Chicken is your answer. It's a delightful twist on the classic roast chicken, infused with bold Asian flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.

Ingredients for Oriental Herb-Infused Chicken

Whole chicken serves as the hearty base, absorbing all the delicious flavors while roasting to juicy perfection. Soy sauce brings a salty umami kick, balanced by the nutty richness of sesame oil. Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity to cut through the richness. Garlic and ginger are classic aromatics that infuse the dish with depth and warmth. Honey provides a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from chili flakes. Finally, scallions, cilantro, and lemon slices add freshness and a pop of color.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier kick, add an extra teaspoon of chili flakes to the marinade.
  • If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a decent substitute.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after roasting; this helps the juices redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a light, crunchy cucumber salad. For a more indulgent meal, consider serving with garlic butter noodles. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller pieces will cook faster.
What if I’m allergic to sesame oil?
You can substitute with olive oil or another nutty oil that you prefer.

Oriental Herb-Infused Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, honey, and chili flakes. This is your savory marinade. Make sure it’s well blended for a consistent flavor.

Place your whole chicken in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. A good tip is to get your hands in there and massage the marinade into the chicken to really get those flavors inside. Cover the dish and let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you’ve got the time, overnight marinating works wonders.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the chicken out of the marinade and lay it on a baking tray lined with lemon slices. This not only prevents sticking but also infuses the chicken with a subtle citrusy aroma as it roasts.

Pop that tray into the oven and let the chicken roast for about an hour, or until the skin is crispy and the juices run clear when pierced. You’re aiming for a golden brown beauty.

Before serving, sprinkle the scallions and cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness and color.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
  • Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy family dinner.
  • The marinade deeply penetrates the chicken for a rich, savory experience.
  • Beautiful presentation with vibrant herbs and citrus.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (approx. 3 lbs)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp chili flakes
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 lemon, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, honey, and chili flakes in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it is well coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking tray lined with lemon slices.
6. Roast in the oven for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!