Asian-Style Paper Wrapped Chicken: A Flavorful Culinary Adventure

Paper wrapped chicken, a delectable dish with roots in Chinese and Asian cuisine, offers a unique and flavorful culinary experience. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it locks in moisture and flavor during the cooking process. Each bite is a burst of savory goodness, making it a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of creating your own mouthwatering Asian-style paper wrapped chicken, exploring various flavor profiles, and offering tips for achieving culinary perfection.

What is Paper Wrapped Chicken?

Paper wrapped chicken, often referred to as ‘zhi bao ji’ in Chinese, involves marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a savory sauce and then wrapping them individually in parchment paper or aluminum foil pouches before baking or deep-frying. The wrapping process seals in the juices and aromas, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. This method also allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a delightful taste sensation.

The dish is popular in many Asian restaurants and is often served as an appetizer. While deep-frying is the traditional method, baking offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste and texture. The choice is yours, depending on your preference and dietary considerations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* Flavor Explosion: The marinade infuses the chicken with an irresistible combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
* Tender and Juicy: The paper wrapping locks in moisture, ensuring that the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy.
* Easy to Make: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
* Versatile: You can customize the marinade to suit your taste preferences, experimenting with different spices and sauces.
* Perfect for Entertaining: These bite-sized morsels are ideal for serving as appetizers at parties or gatherings.
* Healthier Option: Baking the chicken instead of deep-frying reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe. They are more flavorful and remain tender during cooking. You can also use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it.
* Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: These are essential for wrapping the chicken. Parchment paper is preferred for baking, while aluminum foil works well for both baking and deep-frying.
* Soy Sauce: A key ingredient in the marinade, providing umami and saltiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
* Shaoxing Rice Wine: Adds a distinct aroma and flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have Shaoxing rice wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or rice vinegar (use a smaller amount of rice vinegar as it is more acidic).
* Oyster Sauce: Contributes a rich, savory flavor to the marinade. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can use vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
* Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the marinade.
* Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy note to the marinade.
* Garlic: Minced garlic provides a pungent and savory flavor.
* Sugar: Balances the savory and salty flavors in the marinade.
* White Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the other flavors.
* Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the marinade and create a glossy coating on the chicken.
* Optional Ingredients: You can also add other ingredients to the marinade, such as:
* Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and savory flavor.
* Chili Garlic Sauce: For a spicy kick.
* Five-Spice Powder: For a complex and aromatic flavor.
* Green Onions: For a fresh and mild onion flavor.

Detailed Recipe: Asian-Style Paper Wrapped Chicken

This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for making delicious Asian-style paper wrapped chicken. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results.

Yields: 24-30 pieces
Prep time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: At least 30 minutes (preferably longer)
Cook time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 3-5 minutes (deep-frying)

Ingredients:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
* 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* Parchment paper or aluminum foil, cut into 6-inch squares
* Vegetable oil, for deep-frying (optional)

Equipment:

* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Baking sheet (for baking)
* Deep fryer or large pot (for deep-frying)
* Tongs

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Place the chicken thighs on a cutting board and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. Transfer the chicken pieces to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and the cornstarch is dissolved. This ensures a smooth and even marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces in the mixing bowl.
2. Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly coat the chicken with the marinade. Make sure every piece is well covered.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

Step 4: Prepare the Paper Packets

1. Cut the parchment paper or aluminum foil into 6-inch squares. You will need one square for each piece of chicken.
2. Place one piece of marinated chicken in the center of a paper square.
3. Fold the paper over the chicken to form a triangle or rectangle. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the juices from leaking out during cooking.
4. You can fold the edges over multiple times to create a secure seal.
5. Repeat this process for all the remaining chicken pieces.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken (Baking Method)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the paper-wrapped chicken packets on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the paper packets are lightly browned.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken (Deep-Frying Method)

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add the paper-wrapped chicken packets to the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding.
3. Deep-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the paper packets are golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the chicken packets from the oil with tongs and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
5. Let the chicken cool slightly before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Carefully open the paper packets to release the fragrant steam and reveal the tender chicken.
2. Serve the paper wrapped chicken immediately while it is still warm.
3. You can serve it as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a main course.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
5. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!

Tips for Success

* Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When baking or deep-frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
* Seal the Packets Tightly: Ensure that the paper packets are tightly sealed to prevent the juices from leaking out during cooking. This will help the chicken remain tender and flavorful.
* Adjust the Marinade to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the marinade to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less sugar, ginger, or garlic, depending on your liking. You can also experiment with different sauces and spices.
* Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will result in a better-tasting dish. Choose fresh ginger, garlic, and good-quality sauces.
* Marinate for Longer: Marinating the chicken for a longer period of time will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
* Be Careful When Opening the Packets: Be careful when opening the paper packets, as they will release hot steam. Use tongs or a fork to open them carefully.
* Serve Immediately: Paper wrapped chicken is best served immediately while it is still warm and juicy. The flavors will be at their peak, and the chicken will be most tender.

Variations and Customizations

* Spicy Paper Wrapped Chicken: Add chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
* Honey Garlic Paper Wrapped Chicken: Add honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness and a sticky glaze.
* Lemon Pepper Paper Wrapped Chicken: Add lemon zest and black pepper to the marinade for a zesty and aromatic flavor.
* Vegetarian Paper Wrapped Chicken: Use firm tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken. Marinate them in a similar sauce and wrap them in paper before baking or deep-frying.
* Paper Wrapped Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster than chicken.
* Add Vegetables: Include thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms in the paper packets along with the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

* Appetizer: Serve paper wrapped chicken as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. It’s a perfect finger food that will impress your guests.
* Snack: Enjoy it as a quick and flavorful snack during the day.
* Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
* Party Food: It is a great option to add to any buffet for parties and get togethers.
* Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, plum sauce, or soy sauce with a dash of sesame oil.

Health Benefits

While often seen as a treat, paper wrapped chicken can offer some nutritional benefits, especially when baked instead of deep-fried.

* Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
* Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken provides vitamins and minerals such as niacin, selenium, and phosphorus.
* Lower in Fat: Baking the chicken reduces the fat content compared to deep-frying.
* Control Over Ingredients: Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid excessive sodium or unhealthy additives.

Storage Instructions

* Refrigerate: Store leftover paper wrapped chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
* Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the chicken may change upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

Asian-style paper wrapped chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful marinade, all sealed within a paper pouch to create a culinary masterpiece. Whether you choose to bake or deep-fry it, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and embark on a flavorful adventure with this amazing recipe. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of creating a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing!