Beggar's Chicken
“Encased in lotus leaves and clay, this dish reveals a tender, aromatic chicken once cracked open.”
Chicken
Lotus Leaf
Shaoxing Wine
Ginger
scallions
Soy SauceWhere it comes from
Beggar's Chicken hails from a legend in Changshu, where a destitute beggar, lacking cooking tools, wrapped a chicken in mud and baked it over an open fire, discovering a culinary treasure. This method became so cherished that it evolved into a celebrated dish in Jiangnan, especially in Zhejiang.
On the Palate
How it's made
4 steps · Show ↓150 min active
How it's made
4 steps · Show ↓- 110 min
Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Rub the inside and outside with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, ginger, and scallions. Stuff with shiitake mushrooms and any additional marinade ingredients.
- 210 min
Wrap the chicken in lotus leaves, ensuring it is completely covered. Secure with kitchen twine if necessary. Wrap again in aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection.
- 3120 min
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wrapped chicken in a clay pot or oven-safe dish. Bake in the oven until the chicken is tender and fragrant.
Watch outIf using clay, ensure the oven temperature is stable to prevent cracking.
- 410 min
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before unwrapping. Serve by slicing through the lotus leaves to reveal the aromatic chicken within.
