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Sweet and Sour Whole Chicken

Juicy Sweet and Sour Whole Chicken for Family Fun Nights

A delicious Sweet and Sour Whole Chicken recipe perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole Whole Chicken (3-4 lbs) Choose fresh or fully thawed.
For the Marinade
  • ½ cup Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free.
  • ¼ cup Honey Maple syrup or agave as alternatives.
  • ¼ cup Rice Vinegar White vinegar can work in a pinch.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Freshly minced enhances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated Can substitute with ground ginger if needed.
  • ¼ cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoon Cornstarch Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute.
  • ½ cup Water
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoon Green Onions, sliced Chives are a good substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds Lightly toasted for nutty crunch.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Lemon zest can substitute for a different citrus note.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Roasting Rack
  • baking tray
  • mixing bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a roasting rack over a baking tray.
  2. Pat the chicken dry and loosen the skin on the breasts and thighs for better marinade absorption.
  3. Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar in a bowl. Rub under and over the skin and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Place the marinated chicken on the roasting rack and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
  6. In a saucepan, simmer the reserved marinade and whisk in cornstarch mixed with water until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Brush the thickened sauce over the chicken and broil for 3-5 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes.
  8. Let cool slightly, garnish, carve, and serve the Sweet and Sour Whole Chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1whole chickenCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Ensure chicken skin is bruise-free for optimal cooking.

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