Cooked Asian Five-Spice Chicken garnished with herbs on a plate

Asian Five-Spice Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Asian Five-Spice Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table with its unique blend of spices. The five-spice powder combines sweet, salty, and savory elements, making this chicken both tasty and aromatic. It is easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and loved by all ages.

How to Make Asian Five-Spice Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 3 chicken thighs (deboned, and cut into halves)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese rice wine (or Japanese cooking sake, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 tablespoon oil

Directions:

  1. Debone the chicken thighs while keeping the skin. You may also use skinless and boneless chicken thighs if preferred.
  2. Marinate the chicken with garlic, five-spice powder, sesame oil, rice wine, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt for 15 minutes, or ideally for 1 hour.
  3. Add oil to the skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the chicken on both sides until browned and crispy, ensuring the inside is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and serve immediately.

How to Serve Asian Five-Spice Chicken

Asian Five-Spice Chicken is great to serve with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also pair it with fresh vegetables or a simple salad to balance the meal. For a touch of elegance, garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

How to Store Asian Five-Spice Chicken

After cooking, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Asian Five-Spice Chicken

  • For more flavor, let the chicken marinate for a longer time, ideally overnight.
  • Adjust the amount of five-spice powder to your taste. You can add less if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken for a nice crispy texture.

Variation

You can change up the recipe by using different proteins such as pork or tofu. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.

FAQs

Can I use boneless skinless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a leaner option. The cooking time may be slightly less.

Is five-spice powder spicy?
No, five-spice powder is not spicy. It has a combination of flavors like sweet, savory, and aromatic.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and cook it just before serving.