Steamed Cantonese-Style Soy Sauce Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken steamed with a fragrant soy sauce blend, capturing the essence of traditional Cantonese flavors. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes blends whole chicken (3-4 lbs), light soy sauce, dark soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and pat dry one whole chicken (3-4 lbs), then place it in a heatproof dish suitable for steaming.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup light soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Step 3: Scatter 4 thin slices of ginger and 3 stalks of green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces) both inside the chicken cavity and on top.
  4. Step 4: Pour the soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, then drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil on top.
  5. Step 5: Prepare a wok or large pot with 2 cups of water, bring it to a boil over high heat, and place the chicken dish on a steaming rack inside.
  6. Step 6: Cover and steam the chicken for 45 minutes, checking once halfway to ensure water hasn’t evaporated; add boiling water if needed.
  7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the steamer carefully and let rest 5 minutes before carving and serving with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Cantonese-Style Soy Sauce Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Steamed Cantonese-Style Soy Sauce Chicken?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Cantonese-Style Soy Sauce Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Cantonese-Style Soy Sauce Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Steamed Cantonese-Style Soy Sauce Chicken?

Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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