Recipe

North Dakota Style Wenchang Chicken

Savory Prairie Chicken Delight

4.5 out of 5

This recipe brings the flavors of North Dakota to the traditional Chinese dish of Wenchang Chicken. Tender chicken is poached to perfection and served with a delightful blend of local ingredients, creating a unique fusion of Chinese and North Dakotan cuisine.

Meat Dish› Poultry Dish› Chicken Dish› Wenchang Chicken

Asian cuisine› Chinese cuisine

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Midwestern American cuisine› Cuisine of North Dakota

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

1 hour

Total time

1 hour 20 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Omnivore, Low carb, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo

Allergens

Mustard, Garlic

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Kosher, Halal

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Wenchang Chicken is modified to incorporate the flavors and ingredients of North Dakota. The original Chinese recipe is typically prepared by poaching a whole chicken and serving it with a ginger and scallion sauce. In the North Dakota version, the chicken is still poached, but the sauce is enhanced with local ingredients such as honey, mustard, and wild herbs, giving it a unique regional twist. We alse have the original recipe for Wenchang Chicken, so you can check it out.

1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg) 1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons mustard 2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons wild herbs (such as sage or thyme) 2 tablespoons wild herbs (such as sage or thyme)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste Pepper, to taste

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3.5g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
Protein: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2.
Carefully add the whole chicken to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
3.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, wild herbs, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
4.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Then, brush the chicken with the prepared sauce, making sure to coat it evenly.
5.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sauced chicken on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy.
6.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
7.
Serve the North Dakota Style Wenchang Chicken with the remaining sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Chicken — Make sure to choose a high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.
Wild herbs — If you can't find wild herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs like sage or thyme.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after roasting.
Serve the chicken with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Adjust the amount of mustard and honey in the sauce according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the North Dakota Style Wenchang Chicken as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or a side of roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the carved chicken pieces on a platter, drizzle some of the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs. Serve the remaining sauce in a small bowl on the side.