Braised whole chicken in a rich soy-based sauce is a comforting family celebration dish. A high protein chicken recipe with tender, flavorful meat.
Rinse and pat dry the whole chicken; trim excess fat or neck if present.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and black pepper. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely.
Nestle the chicken breast-side up into the pot. Add onion (quartered), carrots (cut into chunks), garlic cloves (whole), and scallions (halved) around the chicken.
Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, reduce to low, cover tightly, and braise for 90 minutes, basting the chicken every 20 minutes for even flavor.
Uncover, increase heat to medium, and simmer another 20 minutes to reduce the sauce and deepen color, spooning sauce over the bird frequently. Remove from heat, rest 10 minutes, then carve and serve with onions, carrots, and plenty of sauce.