4 Easy Steps to Achieve a Pecking Duck Style Roast Chicken

4 Easy Steps to Achieve a Pecking Duck Style Roast Chicken is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by MY EATS Official on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 1 hr 50 min

Cost: $13.86 total, $3.47 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5-2 kg Whole Chicken (cleaned, patted dry)
  • 2 tbsp Rock Salt (coarse sea salt)
  • 2 cups Water (boiling)
  • 3 tbsp Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce (light soy sauce)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Wine (Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing))
  • 1 thumb-sized clove Garlic (peeled and minced (≈1 tbsp))
  • 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger (peeled and minced (≈1 tbsp))
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil (to brush before roasting)
  • 1 tsp Salt (regular table salt)

Instructions

  1. Salt Rub

    Rub an ample amount of rock salt all over the chicken, making sure to coat the cavity and skin thoroughly.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Rinse

    Rinse the chicken under cold running water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Boiling‑Water Shock

    Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully pour the boiling water over the entire chicken, allowing the skin to tighten.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Prepare Flavor Sauce

    In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, minced garlic and minced ginger. Mix until well blended.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Apply Sauce

    Using the kitchen brush, coat the chicken evenly with the soy‑ginger mixture, ensuring every part of the skin is covered.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Overnight Air‑Dry

    Place the chicken uncovered on a wire rack set over a tray and refrigerate overnight (at about 4°C) to let the skin fully dry.

    Time: PT8H

    Temperature: 4°C

  7. Final Oil Brush

    Mix sesame oil with a pinch of salt and brush the entire chicken one more time before roasting.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Roast

    Preheat the oven to 180°C. Roast the chicken on the wire rack for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

    Time: PT1H15M

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Check Doneness

    Insert the kitchen thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read at least 74°C (165°F).

    Time: PT0M

  10. Rest

    Remove the chicken from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
500
Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
35g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Gluten (soy sauce), Dairy Free, Nut Free

Allergens: Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

4 Easy Steps to Achieve a Pecking Duck Style Roast Chicken

Recipe by MY EATS Official

A classic Chinese‑style whole roast chicken with ultra‑crispy skin achieved through a simple four‑step process: salt rub, boiling‑water shock, flavorful soy‑ginger glaze, and overnight air‑drying before roasting. Finished with a light brush of sesame oil and salt, this dish delivers juicy meat and crackling skin, perfect for a family dinner.

MediumChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8h 25m
Prep
1h 20m
Cook
1h 10m
Cleanup
10h 55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.86
Total cost
$3.47
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Air‑dry the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to achieve crispy skin
  • Roast at a steady 180°C and monitor internal temperature to reach 74°C (165°F)
  • Apply the final sesame‑oil brush just before roasting for flavor and gloss

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water carefully to avoid burns
  • Raw chicken can cause cross‑contamination; wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly
  • Use oven mitts when handling hot trays
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to kill harmful bacteria

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chinese roast chicken in Chinese cuisine?

A

Chinese roast chicken, known as "烤鸡" or "白切鸡" in various regions, has long been a staple for family gatherings and festive meals. Its crisp skin and juicy meat symbolize prosperity and abundance, making it a popular centerpiece during Lunar New Year and wedding banquets.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chinese roast chicken in China?

A

In Cantonese cuisine, the bird is often marinated with soy, honey, and five‑spice and roasted to a glossy finish. In Sichuan style, it may be spiced with chili oil and peppercorns, while northern versions favor a simple salt‑and‑vinegar glaze. Each region tailors the seasoning to local palate preferences.

cultural
Q

How is Chinese roast chicken traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

The chicken is typically carved at the table and served whole, accompanied by sliced cucumbers, scallions, and a light soy‑vinegar dipping sauce. It is often paired with steamed rice or thin noodles, allowing diners to enjoy both the meat and the flavorful juices.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Chinese roast chicken traditionally associated in Chinese culture?

A

Roast chicken appears at Lunar New Year, birthday banquets, wedding feasts, and business opening celebrations. Its whole form represents unity and completeness, making it an auspicious dish for milestones and holidays.

cultural
Q

How does Chinese roast chicken fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?

A

It exemplifies the Chinese emphasis on texture contrast—crisp skin versus tender meat—and showcases the balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. The technique of air‑drying and high‑heat roasting is a hallmark of many Chinese meat dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chinese roast chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include rock salt, naturally brewed soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, fresh ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. Acceptable substitutes are kosher salt for rock salt, regular soy sauce, dry sherry for rice wine, and vegetable oil if sesame oil is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chinese roast chicken at home?

A

Common errors include skipping the overnight air‑dry, which prevents crisp skin; using cold water instead of boiling water, which doesn’t tighten the skin; and over‑cooking the breast, leading to dryness. Follow each step precisely and monitor internal temperature.

technical
Q

Why does this Chinese roast chicken recipe use boiling water on the skin instead of other methods?

A

Pouring boiling water contracts the skin fibers, creating a tighter surface that crisps up beautifully during roasting. This technique, known as "shocking," is a traditional Chinese method for achieving that signature crackle without deep‑frying.

technical
Q

How do I know when Chinese roast chicken is done cooking?

A

Insert a kitchen thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the reading should be at least 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear, and the skin should be deep golden‑brown and crisp to the touch.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel MY EATS Official specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel MY EATS Official specializes in easy‑to‑follow Asian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on authentic flavors, step‑by‑step techniques, and budget‑friendly meals for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel MY EATS Official?

A

MY EATS Official emphasizes simplicity, authenticity, and reproducibility, often breaking down classic Asian dishes into four clear steps while highlighting ingredient sourcing and practical kitchen hacks for home cooks.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Stuffed Roast Chicken with Spanish Chorizo and Cannellini Beans
40

Stuffed Roast Chicken with Spanish Chorizo and Cannellini Beans

A classic roast chicken elevated with a flavorful Spanish chorizo, cannellini bean and sun‑dried tomato stuffing. The bird stays juicy thanks to a wine‑water steam bath and finishes with a crisp, paprika‑spiced skin.

2 hrs 20 minServes 6$21
British
Roast Duck with Cherry Gastrique and Orange Stuffing
39

Roast Duck with Cherry Gastrique and Orange Stuffing

A festive, restaurant‑style roast duck perfect for Christmas lunch. The duck is dry‑aged overnight, rubbed with a fragrant blend of Sichuan pepper, five‑spice, ginger and brown sugar, then roasted breast‑side down for a crispy skin. An orange is placed in the cavity for aromatic moisture, and the bird is finished with a glossy cherry‑red‑wine gastrique. Served with carved dark and white meat, this dish delivers rich, sweet‑savory flavours and a stunning presentation.

3 hrs 38 minServes 4$33
British
Herb Mayo Spatchcock Roast Chicken with Light Herb Sauce
49

Herb Mayo Spatchcock Roast Chicken with Light Herb Sauce

A juicy, flavorful whole chicken that’s spatchcocked, slathered in a herb‑infused mayonnaise, and roasted at high heat for a crispy skin. A simple light sauce made from the pan drippings, stock, lemon, soy sauce, and butter finishes the dish. The predictive thermometer guarantees perfect doneness without brining.

1 hr 55 minServes 4$17
American
Quick Roast Chicken Stock (Pressure Cooker)
181

Quick Roast Chicken Stock (Pressure Cooker)

A fast, flavorful roast chicken stock made in under an hour using a rotisserie chicken, vegetables, and a pressure cooker. The technique, inspired by Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck, extracts maximum flavor and gelatin in just 40 minutes, yielding a clear, meaty stock perfect for soups, sauces, and risottos. An optional consomme clarification method is included for those who want crystal‑clear stock.

1 hr 10 minServes 8$54
British
Pecking House’s Ultra-Crunchy, Burn-Your-Mouth-Off Chili Fried Chicken
35

Pecking House’s Ultra-Crunchy, Burn-Your-Mouth-Off Chili Fried Chicken

A crunchy, spicy‑sweet Southern‑style fried chicken finished with a fragrant Sichuan‑pepper‑infused chili oil. The recipe combines a classic buttermilk brine, a unique starch‑rich dredge, and a double‑fry technique for ultimate crispness, then coats the pieces in a glossy, numbing chili oil.

1 hr 23 minServes 4$42
American (Southern) & Chinese Fusion
One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
36

One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

A simple, high‑bang‑for‑your‑buck one‑pan dinner of crispy, lemon‑y chicken thighs and drumsticks paired with golden, crunchy Yukon Gold potatoes, finished with a bright parsley‑lemon vinaigrette and peppery arugula.

1 hr 49 minServes 4$21
American