Trinidad Chinese-Style Chicken

Category: Caribbean

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp white pepper

1/4 tsp five-spice powder

1 tbsp light soy sauce (low sodium)

1/2 tsp sesame oil

For the Sauce:

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)

Pinch of white pepper

Pinch of five-spice powder

1/4 tsp sesame oil

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

Chopped scallions (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, white pepper, five-spice powder, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and MSG (if using).
Let it marinate for at least 15–20 minutes for better flavor.

2. Make the Sauce:

In a saucepan, combine water, oyster sauce, white pepper, five-spice powder, sesame oil, and sugar.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the sauce while stirring. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
Stir in chopped scallions if desired. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Frying Method: Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken pieces until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), bake chicken on a tray until golden and fully cooked.

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