May 8, 2022Grey

Sticky Five Spice Roast Chicken

A Weeknight Roast Chicken With Delicious Flavor!

Hello my friends!

Finding new recipes sometimes starts off by searching for an ingredient I’ve been wanting to use up. You know how it goes–you’re cleaning out your pantry and you see you have some spices facing their expiration date in the upcoming months. Rather than letting them go to waste, it’s the perfect time to explore some new recipes.

So today’s roast chicken review is made special by using Chinese Five Spice.

This week’s recipe find comes from one of my favorite’s: Marion’s Kitchen. You can find the recipe for this delicious sticky five spice roast chicken right -> here!

Roast Chicken Marinade Works Like Magic

This recipe is rather simple to execute, which makes it perfect for any day of the week. All the flavor and oomph really does come from the marinade. So, it’s really important to use the exact ingredients or be very, very close to what is written.

The reason I state that is because dark soy sauce is used in this recipe, and I have not been able to find a gluten-free dark soy sauce. Believe me, I am on a constant search to find it locally. But–as some gluten-free items, the search online will be required.

That being said, if you’re in a bind and needing that umami flavor, I found that Worcestershire sauce does the trick. I’d love to remake this using actual gluten-free dark soy sauce, so I can report back on the flavor.

I would also like to mention that Marion provides an awesome tip about roasting the chicken, and I would like to STRESS it. On the roasting tray, pour some water onto the aluminum foil, so any marinade that drips down doesn’t burn. I found that I had to keep adding water as I applied another coat of the marinade onto the chicken. At least that way I didn’t have a smokey kitchen! Phew!

The Quick Cucumber & Chili Pickle

This quick pickle mixture is the perfect pairing for the roast chicken. The flavor of refreshing cucumber, the spice from the chili, and that bite of vinegar and touch of sweetness? Yum! There is something so refreshing about this mixture when paired with the roast chicken. It’s a conversation between umami flavor and the quick pickle. It honestly works so well!

One note I would make: start off with one chili before adding in the second. You want this pickle to have a nice kick, but certainly not something that causes you more discomfort. We all have different levels of heat tolerance.

Sticky Five Spice Roast Chicken

Grey’s Grade: 5/5

I sincerely enjoyed this recipe because it didn’t call for too many different ingredients. Frankly, the marinade alone consisted of everything I already had in my pantry/fridge. Now that is convenience!
Which brings me to flavor–this recipe balances the flavor so well. It’s anything but bland, while certainly not being too salty or spicy. I think it hits the spot just right.

If you’re looking to make this recipe, then again, I do urge you to follow the recipe as indicated, especially on the marinade. If you are gluten-free, then feel free to use my recommendation for dark soy sauce substitute or do find a proper gluten-free dark soy sauce. I know my search is going to continue.

If your weeknight dinners are starting to feel bland and tired, then I do recommend that you give this one a try. And if you’re like me and cleaning out your pantry–use this as a sign to explore new recipes that can utilize the ingredients you have on hand! Who knows, you may just come across a new family favorite recipe!

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