How to Cook Whole Chicken Royale

This is a very simple whole chicken recipe. With a delicious sweet and fruity flavor and savory taste because of the aromatics added to the dish.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Course: Chicken Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: braised whole chicken, chicken royale

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 324kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

1 whole dressed chicken
2 cups Royal softdrinks (or any orange soda drinks)
4 pcs red or white onions quartered
4 stalks lemon grass pounded
2 inch ginger sliced
2 stalks leeks trim the roots
5 stalks spring onions or green onions
1 Tbsp. garlic minced
1/4 cup oyster sauce
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato or banana ketchup
4 pcs calamansi extract the juice
salt and pepper for rubbing the chicken skin

Instructions

How to Cook Whole Chicken Royale

Wash the chicken to remove any impurities. Put in a colander and let it drain until dry.
Rub with calamansi juice, salt and pepper. Let it stand for a few minutes.
In a large pot that will fit the whole chicken, put the orange soda softdrink (Royal tru orange), onions, ginger, lemongrass, leeks, spring onions, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce and ketchup.
Then lay the whole chicken breast side up to avoid over cooking the breast part. Cover and simmer it for 30 to 45 minutes.
After 30 minutes, open the pot and turn the chicken upside down facing the breast part on the bottom of the pot. Simmer again for 15 minutes.
Then turn off heat and remove the chicken from the pot. Remove all the aromatics in the pot and leave the sauce. You can also strain the aromatics using a sieve and put the liquid back in the pot.
Put the chicken back in the pot and turn on the heat. Baste the chicken with the sauce from time to time while cooking.
Cook until the liquid becomes thick. Serve hot and garnish with sliced leeks.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Use Orange Soda for Tender and Flavorful Chicken

The key to the unique taste and tenderness of Whole Chicken Royale is the orange soda. Its carbonation helps break down the chicken’s fibers, resulting in juicy, tender meat, while the sugars add a caramelized sweetness. For the best results, use a soda with a vibrant citrus flavor like Royal Tru Orange, Mirinda, or Fanta.

Flip the Chicken for Even Cooking

To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, start with the breast side up in the pot. After 30 minutes of simmering, flip the chicken to let the breast side absorb more of the rich flavors from the sauce. This technique prevents overcooking the breast meat while allowing the sauce to seep into every part of the chicken.

Baste for a Glossy, Flavorful Finish

Basting the chicken with the sauce during the final stage of cooking is essential for maximum flavor. As the sauce thickens, regularly spoon it over the chicken to create a glossy, sticky coating that enhances both taste and presentation. This step ensures every bite is packed with the dish’s sweet and savory goodness.