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Best Easy Hangzhou Beggar's Chicken Recipe

Name: Best Easy Hangzhou Beggar's Chicken Recipe
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 400 g
Ingredients: whole chicken 3.5 lbs; lotus leaves 2 pieces; shiitake mushrooms 6 pieces; scallions 2 pieces; ginger 4 slices; soy sauce 3 tbsp; Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp; sesame oil 1 tbsp; five-spice powder 1 tsp; sugar 1 tsp; salt 1 tsp; white pepper 0.5 tsp

Hangzhou beggar's chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay-baked is incredibly tender and aromatic. A high protein chicken recipe perfect for a memorable family feast.

Cook 150 min Difficulty HARD 590 kcal

#high protein #diabetic friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

whole chicken 3.5 lbs
lotus leaves 2 pieces
shiitake mushrooms 6 pieces
scallions 2 pieces
ginger 4 slices

Seasonings/Sauce

soy sauce 3 tbsp
Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp
sesame oil 1 tbsp
five-spice powder 1 tsp
sugar 1 tsp
salt 1 tsp
white pepper 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 12 g 8%

Protein 49 g 33%

Fat 38 g 59%

Serving size 400g

Cooking steps

1

Soak lotus leaves in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable; meanwhile, thoroughly clean and pat dry the whole chicken.
2

Mix soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, sugar, salt, and white pepper in a bowl; massage the marinade all over and inside the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
3

Stuff the chicken cavity with sliced ginger, scallions, and shiitake mushrooms, distributing aromatics for maximum flavor.
4

Wrap the marinated chicken tightly with softened lotus leaves, ensuring all sides are covered for maximum moisture retention.
5

Encase the wrapped chicken with a layer of clay (or a thick layer of aluminum foil if clay isn't available), sealing every edge so steam can't escape.
6

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2.5 hours, then rest the chicken for 15 minutes before cracking open the clay and unwrapping the lotus leaves.
7

Carve the tender chicken, serve hot with the wonderfully fragrant stuffing, and drizzle any juices from the lotus packet over the meat.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Hangzhou Beggar's Chicken recipe?

The star ingredient is a whole chicken, which provides the dish's juicy, tender texture and rich flavor after being marinated and baked. The unique aroma comes from being wrapped in lotus leaves, which infuse the meat and stuffing during the slow bake.

Q. Why is the chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay?

Wrapping the marinated chicken in lotus leaves seals in moisture and imparts fragrance, while the clay creates a tight seal and ensures slow, even cooking. This method delivers especially tender meat and prevents overcooking or drying out.

Q. How do I prevent the chicken from turning dry?

Be sure to seal the lotus leaves and outer clay (or foil) layer tightly, and avoid overbaking. The enclosed method retains all steam and juices, resulting in moist, fall-apart meat. Letting the chicken rest after baking also preserves juiciness.

Q. What is the nutritional profile per serving?

Each 400g serving provides around 590 kcal, 49g protein (33%), 38g fat (59%), and 12g carbs (8%). This makes it a high-protein, moderate-fat option with a low carbohydrate ratio, ideal for those seeking a nutritious feast.

Best Easy Hangzhou Beggar's Chicken Recipe

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