Are you searching for a tasty roasted chicken or fried chicken? I think this savory chicken recipe is the one you are looking for. I think this recipe is as tasty as the one served in Savory chicken restaurant. There are two methods you can use on cooking this chicken recipe. You can oven roast it if you have an oven or you can deep fry it if you don’t have an oven. But there is big difference between the two method with regards to the taste. I think oven roasting is better because there is less fat and it will be more flavorful.
Savory Style Chicken: A Taste of Nostalgia
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious chicken recipe that brings back the flavors of your favorite restaurant dishes, this savory chicken might just be the one you’re looking for. Whether you’re a fan of roasted or fried chicken, this recipe offers a delightful balance of taste and texture that will satisfy your cravings. Imagine the succulent meat, infused with aromatic herbs, crisped to perfection, and served with a rich, velvety gravy. It’s a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.
The Secret to a Flavorful Marinade
The key to achieving that mouthwatering taste lies in the marinade. This blend of spices and herbs creates a depth of flavor that permeates every bite of the chicken. A mixture of garlic, lemongrass, and a few other secret ingredients, the marinade is both simple and effective. When blended to a smooth consistency, it becomes the perfect coating for the chicken, ensuring that every inch of the meat is infused with flavor. Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator is crucial, as it gives the flavors time to meld and fully penetrate the meat. This step is where the magic happens, setting the stage for the deliciousness that follows.
Oven Roasting: A Healthier, More Flavorful Option
When it comes to cooking this savory chicken, you have two options: oven roasting or deep frying. While both methods result in a tasty dish, oven roasting is often the preferred choice for those looking to reduce fat content while enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken. Roasting the chicken at a high temperature allows the skin to become crispy and golden, while the meat remains tender and juicy. This method also has the advantage of allowing the chicken to cook evenly, with the added bonus of infusing the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, using a probe thermometer is recommended. Once the internal temperature reaches 175°F, you know it’s ready to be enjoyed.
The Art of Basting
Basting is another essential step in achieving a perfectly roasted chicken. By brushing the chicken with a mixture of sesame oil and marinade every 15 to 20 minutes, you help to lock in moisture and add a layer of rich flavor to the skin. This process not only enhances the taste but also gives the chicken its beautiful, appetizing color. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference, ensuring that the final dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
A Crispy Alternative: Deep Frying
For those who prefer a crispier texture, deep frying is a fantastic alternative. This method involves boiling the marinated chicken until it’s half-cooked, then frying it until the skin is golden brown and crispy. The result is a dish that’s both crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, with all the flavors of the marinade still intact. While deep frying might not be the healthiest option, it’s certainly a treat for those special occasions when you’re craving something indulgent. Just be sure to drain the chicken well after frying to remove any excess oil, keeping it as light as possible.
The Perfect Accompaniment: Rich Gravy
No savory chicken dish would be complete without a luscious, flavorful gravy. This gravy recipe is a blend of flour, chicken broth, and a hint of five spice powder, creating a sauce that’s both rich and complex. The addition of peanut butter adds a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the chicken. As the gravy simmers, it thickens to the perfect consistency, making it an ideal partner for the chicken. Whether you’re pouring it over the meat or using it as a dipping sauce, this gravy is sure to elevate your meal to new heights.
A Dish Rooted in History
This savory chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to a culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations. The dish traces its origins to the rich, flavorful cooking styles of East and Southeast Asia, where marinated and roasted chicken dishes are a staple in many households. Over time, these recipes have been adapted and refined, resulting in the beloved version we know today. Each bite carries with it a piece of history, a reminder of the cultural significance of food in bringing people together.
Bringing It All Together
Whether you choose to roast or fry, this savory chicken recipe is a delightful way to bring the flavors of your favorite restaurant into your own kitchen. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. With its aromatic marinade, crispy skin, and rich gravy, this chicken is sure to become a family favorite. So why not give it a try? With just a little effort, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also steeped in tradition and nostalgia. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most importantly, share it with the ones you love.
How to Cook Savory Style Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole dressed chicken
- 1 bundle lemon grass or tanglad crushed
- Sesame oil (optional)
For the marinade:
- 1 bundle lemon grass crushed, chopped
- 1 head garlic crushed
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp Five-spice powder or 3 pcs whole star anise, also called "sanque"
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- spring onions chopped
- 2 pcs bay leaves
Gravy ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp. cooking oil
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 Tbsp. peanut butter unsweetened
- 1/8 tsp Five-spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
How to Cook Savory Style Chicken:
- Mix all marinade ingredients (except bay leaves) and put in a blender.
- Blend marinade mixture on low until lemongrass and garlic are finely chopped. Set aside.
- Filter and discard solid particles of the marinade mixture using a sieve.
- Combine chicken, marinade mixture and bay leaves in a plastic zip-loc bag, marinate overnight in refrigerator.
- The following day, stuff chicken with lemongrass. Let stand for about 30 mins.
- Roast chicken in oven at 425°F for 1 1/2 hour (Note: a better way is to use a probe thermometer and when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 175°, remove the chicken from the oven).
- Prepare basting sauce by mixing 2 tbsp. sesame oil to the marinade, baste chicken in oven every 15-20 mins.
- Roast until golden brown.
- Serve with the prepared gravy (See gravy recipe below).
You can also fry the chicken by following these procedure:
- Mix all the marinade ingredients in a pot and pour 2 cups of water.
- Stuff the chicken with lemon grass and put it in the pot with the marinade.
- Boil until half cooked. Drain the chicken and then deep fry until the skin is brown and crispy.
- Serve with the gravy (see recipe below).
How to make the gravy:
- Mix cooking oil and 1/4 cup flour.
- Stir mixture in a sauce pan over low heat for about 4 minutes, until the color changes to brown.
- Mix the remaining flour into the chicken broth and pour in to the pan.
- Add five spice powder and peanut butter
- Bring the mixture to a boil and stir cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens
- Add more broth if necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor
Allow the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator to ensure the flavors fully penetrate the meat. This step is crucial for achieving that rich, savory taste in every bite. The longer marinating time helps tenderize the chicken, making it more succulent when cooked.Use a Thermometer for Perfect Doneness
Invest in a probe thermometer to accurately gauge the internal temperature of the chicken. Roast until the thickest part reaches 175°F to ensure the meat is fully cooked yet still juicy. This simple tool prevents overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.Baste Regularly for Crispy Skin
Baste the chicken with a mixture of sesame oil and marinade every 15 to 20 minutes while roasting. This process keeps the skin moist and helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. Regular basting also enhances the overall flavor, making each bite more delicious.
Manny
Hi M, it’s better to use 5 spice powder. Star anise is only an option just in case you can’t find 5 spice powder.
M
Which one is better to use, the five spice or the star anise? Would it be overkill to use (a combination of) both? Thanks!
Rhianne
Is the oven temperature right? I am getting a little nervous because it seems to be browning too quickly.
Manny
Hi Rhianne, the recipe is for large chicken about 2 kilos. If in doubt, just reduce the oven temp.
Manny
Hi DB, probably they are using Mang Tomas lechon sauce. Do they taste the same as Mang Tomas?
DB
For me, the best part was the gravy! Whenever we come visit the Philippines, we would go straight to Savory. We would order 2 whole chickens and two bottles of gravy. Yep, I buy them in bottles.
I just wanted to mention the bottles where they put the gravy in and it’s always consistently in a Mang Tomas Lechon Sauce bottle. Could it be that they use Mang Tomas Lechon sauce in their gravy?
Manny
Hi Bryan, the star anise is also called “sanque”. Thanks also for your tips.
Manny
Hi Bryan, the sanke or star anise is included in the recipe above. And with regards to lemon grass, maybe you can omit it.
Bryan Alcid
Have you tried tongkoy?…the Chinese use this for soup! I tried tongkoy with Ngo Young (5 Spices) & parboiled in Pearl River Bridge dark mushroom soysauce sauce. Dried in the fridge and then deep fried…the “Savory aroma”…color, texture and juiciness was there! Like Original Savory Chicken! Tnx for the “no tanglad” record or suggestion! Let me know if and when you tried the use of tongkoy ..sometimes called sanque! Try it!
Bryan Alcid
I am convinced that Savory chicken does not use lemon grass at all! I think they are using those soup mixture of wood, herbs, etc…called sanke…or sanque! Parboiled in dark soysauce like mushroom dark soysauce foment Pearl River!…then deep fried after fridge drying to avoid spattering! What do you think?