Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece, where ancient Chinese fermentation techniques meet modern cooking magic. Red Fermented Rice Chicken isn't just a meal; it's a journey through rich, complex flavors that dance on your palate, promising an unforgettable dining experience that will transport you straight to the heart of traditional Chinese cuisine. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning, restaurant-quality recipe that's surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp red fermented rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine red fermented rice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced ginger to create a marinade. Whisk the ingredients until well blended.
- Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the remaining marinade for later. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet.
- Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Choose high-quality chicken thighs with skin-on for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
- Allow chicken to marinate at least 15-20 minutes, but for deeper flavor, you can marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
- For extra crispiness, pat chicken completely dry before seasoning and cooking.
- If red fermented rice is hard to find, you can substitute with rice wine and a touch of red food coloring, though authentic flavor will vary.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and tender.
- Pair with jasmine or short-grain steamed rice to complement the rich, umami flavors of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 298kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
