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When the hustle and bustle of the week leaves me craving something comforting yet exciting, this Peking Style Chicken recipe comes to the rescue. The delightful aroma of marinated chicken filled with sweet and savory flavors wafts through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to the vibrant streets of Beijing. I love how this dish captures the essence of traditional Peking duck but simplifies the process by using chicken—making it a perfect fit for my weeknight dinners.

With just one pot and a few ingredients, this recipe not only serves up a dinner that will impress the family but also delivers that nostalgic takeout flavor without the fuss. The crispy skin paired with soft tortillas creates a delightful contrast, wrapping up each bite in deliciousness! Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef looking for something new to spice up your meals, this dish is both effortless and rewarding. Let’s dive into making your new favorite comfort food!

Why is Peking Style Chicken a must-try?

Crispy Skin: This dish achieves that coveted crispy texture that elevates every bite into something truly special.

One-Pot Convenience: Simplify your cooking routine with a recipe that combines flavor and ease—all in one pot!

Authentic Taste: Experience the classic Peking flavors with a twist, ensuring every mouthful feels like a culinary journey to Beijing.

Meal Flexibility: Whether you wrap it in tortillas or serve it over rice, the versatility of this dish fits any occasion perfectly.

Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a homemade meal that captures the essence of takeout, making it an instant favorite!

Peking Style Chicken Ingredients

For the Marinade

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds umami flavor and moisture; tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
Hoisin Sauce – Delivers that sweet and spicy depth; this is essential for maintaining the authentic taste.
Freshly Grated Ginger – Provides a zesty kick; fresh is best, but dried can work in a pinch.
Five Spice Powder – Infuses aromatic flavors essential for the Peking style; if unavailable, a mix of cinnamon and star anise can substitute.
Honey – Sweetens the sauce and contributes to the delicious glaze; maple syrup serves as a vegan alternative.
Packed Dark Brown Sugar – Creates that caramelized crust; light brown sugar can be used but will yield a different flavor.

For Cooking the Chicken

Canola Oil – Seals moisture in the chicken; neutral oils like sunflower can also work.
Whole Chicken (3 1/2 – 4 lbs) – The star of the dish; opt for fresh or fully thawed for the best results.

For Serving

Flour Tortillas (8) – Perfect for wrapping; feel free to swap for rice or lettuce for a lighter meal.
English Cucumber – Adds a refreshing crunch; pickled vegetables can be a tasty alternative.
Scallions – Bring a fresh, crunchy element; consider using leftover whites for other dishes.

How to Make Peking Style Chicken

Prep Chicken: Start by patting the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving that coveted crispy skin! Coat the chicken thoroughly with low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, freshly grated ginger, five spice powder, honey, and packed dark brown sugar.
Marinate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but for an even richer flavor, leave it overnight. Allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply leads to a delightful taste.
Cook Chicken: In a large pot, heat canola oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken, cooking it until it’s golden brown on all sides. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes; keep an eye on that delicious color!
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the pot with the chicken into the oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which will take around 1 hour. The skin should be perfectly crispy when it’s done.
Serve: Remove the pot from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it up and serve on warm flour tortillas with crunchy English cucumber and scallions. Drizzle with plum sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Peking Style Chicken ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during your busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing all those wonderful flavors to infuse deeply. Just coat the chicken with the marinade, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Additionally, if you wish, you can slice the cucumber and scallions and store them in an airtight container, ready to go for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, simply follow the cooking instructions by browning the marinated chicken in the pot and then baking it to perfection. With these make-ahead tips, your Peking Style Chicken will be just as delicious with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Peking Style Chicken

Marinade Mastery: Ensure the chicken is well coated in the marinade for maximum flavor infusion. A longer marination period equals better taste!
Thermometer Use: Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy chicken.
Crispy Skin Trick: For that perfectly crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close watch to avoid burning!
One-Pot Essentials: Use a pot that can go from stovetop to oven for easy cooking and cleanup. This keeps the cooking process seamless.
Serving Choices: Have fun with how you serve this Peking Style Chicken! Wrap it up in tortillas, serve with rice, or even enjoy it with a side of stir-fried vegetables.

How to Store and Freeze Peking Style Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover Peking Style Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the crispy skin.

Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to help revive that delightful crispy texture.

Peking Style Chicken Variations

Get creative with this delightful dish and customize it to enhance your palate!

Duck Alternative: Swap chicken for duck for a truly traditional Peking experience. The rich flavor of duck will bring a new depth to your meal.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or seitan for a satisfying vegan twist. Marinate just like the original for an equally delicious outcome.
Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh, low-carb option, serve the chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas. It’ll add a refreshing crunch!
Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of chili paste to the marinade for a burst of heat. This variation will elevate the flavor profile and excite your taste buds.
Mushroom Medley: Incorporate shiitake or wood ear mushrooms during cooking for added texture and an earthy flavor. This creates a greater depth in the dish.
Citrus Zing: Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished chicken for a bright, zesty finish. This will balance the richness of the dish beautifully.
Nutty Crust: Before serving, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for an added crunch. This gives the dish a delightful nutty flavor and interesting texture.
Sweet & Spicy Glaze: Mix in a spoonful of sriracha or sweet chili sauce to the hoisin for a tangy twist that balances sweetness with heat.

What to Serve with Peking Style Chicken?

Create a meal that delights every sense and satisfies every craving with these complementary sides.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice soaks up the savory sauce beautifully, creating a great balance with the crispy chicken skin.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy: The tender-crisp greens add a refreshing crunch that enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Pickled Vegetables: These tangy bites cut through the richness of the chicken, offering a lively contrast with every mouthful.
Sesame Noodles: A warm bowl of sesame noodles brings a fragrant, nutty flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the savory notes of the chicken.
Crispy Spring Rolls: These golden rolls provide a delightful crunch alongside the tender chicken, making your meal feel celebratory.
Plum Sauce Dip: Elevate your dining experience by offering a side of sweet plum sauce; it adds extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed in garlic and olive oil, green beans are a crispy side that complements each bite of the juicy chicken.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp, chilled white wine refreshes your palate and enhances the dish’s rich flavors, making it feel even more special.

Peking Style Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for Peking Style Chicken?
For the best results, use a whole chicken that weighs between 3 1/2 to 4 lbs. Fresh or fully thawed chicken yields the most tender and juicy meat, ensuring the dish captures that authentic flavor. Avoid any chickens that show dark spots or signs of freezer burn, as that could affect taste and texture.

How do I store leftover Peking Style Chicken?
Absolutely! Store any leftover Peking Style Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat it in either the oven or microwave. If you use the oven, warming it at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes can help maintain that delightful crispy skin while bringing it back to life!

Can I freeze Peking Style Chicken?
Yes, you can! To freeze, store the Peking Style Chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat properly to avoid losing that nice texture.

What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy?
If your chicken skin doesn’t turn out as crispy as desired, don’t worry! To salvage, simply broil the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end of cooking, keeping a close eye on it. Broiling directly helps crisp the skin while the meat stays juicy.

Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Yes, for those who have allergies, it’s important to note that this recipe includes soy sauce, which contains gluten. You can use gluten-free tamari as a substitute. Additionally, for a vegan option, consider using tofu and omitting the honey, substituting it with maple syrup instead to maintain the sweetness.

Can I modify the serving options for this dish?
Very! There’s plenty of flexibility here. Instead of using flour tortillas to serve, you can wrap the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative. Or, serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a wholesome meal.