Soy Sauce Chicken (China)
Soy Sauce Chicken (酱油鸡) is a classic Cantonese dish where a whole chicken is braised in a fragrant, savory-sweet liquid made primarily from light and dark soy sauce, rock sugar, ginger, and star anise. It is a staple in Chinese cuisine, often served at family gatherings and festivals, with the chicken cooked until tender and infused with a deep, glossy mahogany color.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a high-protein, moderate-fat meal, with the chicken providing lean protein and the braising liquid adding some sugar and sodium. A typical serving offers a good source of B vitamins and minerals like selenium, with a calorie range of approximately 300-400 kcal depending on the cut and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 10 mg |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.4 mcg |
Per 1 serving (about 150 g of chicken meat, without skin) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Soy Sauce Chicken is a symbol of prosperity and togetherness, often served whole to represent unity and completeness. Nutritionally, the braising method helps retain the chicken's moisture and nutrients, while the soy sauce adds umami without excessive fat compared to frying.
