Main Course · Dinner · Chinese ·

Chinese Drunken Chicken with Shaoxing Wine

Name: Chinese Drunken Chicken with Shaoxing Wine
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Whole chicken, about 3–4 lbs; Kosher salt, 1 tablespoon; Water, 4 cups; Shaoxing wine, 1 cup; Light soy sauce, ¼ cup; Sugar, 1 tablespoon; Ginger, sliced, 2 tablespoons; Scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces, 3; Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon; Soy sauce, 1 tablespoon; Green onion, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon; Cilantro, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons; Red chili, finely sliced, 1

A traditional Chinese dish where tender chicken is marinated in fragrant Shaoxing wine, imparting a unique and delightful aroma.

4.9(63 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 28, 2025

Chinese Drunken Chicken with Shaoxing Wine — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chicken

For the Marinade

For the Dressing

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 751 kcal
Protein: 58.75 g
Carbs: 8.5 g
Fat: 48.5 g
Fiber: 0.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3003 kcal
Protein: 235 g
Carbs: 34 g
Fat: 194 g
Fiber: 1 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Whole chicken about 3–4 lbs	2600	230	0	180	0
Kosher salt 1 tablespoon	0	0	0	0	0
Water 4 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Shaoxing wine 1 cup	165	0	13	0	0
Light soy sauce ¼ cup	30	3	2	0	0
Sugar 1 tablespoon	50	0	13	0	0
Ginger, sliced 2 tablespoons	10	0	2	0	0
Scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces 3	10	1	2	0	1
Sesame oil 1 tablespoon	120	0	0	14	0
Soy sauce 1 tablespoon	10	1	1	0	0
Green onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon	1	0	0	0	0
Cilantro, finely chopped 2 tablespoons	1	0	0	0	0
Red chili, finely sliced 1	6	0	1	0	0

These estimates are not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Rub the chicken with salt
Rub the chicken with kosher salt, ensuring full coverage.
2
Simmer the chicken
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken. Simmer for 30 minutes, then remove and let cool.
3
Chop and arrange
Once cooled, chop the chicken into pieces and arrange them in a shallow dish.

Preparing the Marinade

1
Combine marinade ingredients
In a bowl, combine Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and scallions.
2
Pour over chicken
Pour the marinade over the cooled chicken, submerging completely.
Tip: Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before adding the marinade to prevent bacterial growth.
3
Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
Tip: Occasionally turn the chicken in the marinade for even flavor absorption.

How to Make Chinese Drunken Chicken with Shaoxing Wine

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Chilling
Ensure the marinated chicken stays in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
Slicing
Before serving, slice the chicken into bite-sized portions.
3
Composing
Drizzle with dressing and garnish just before serving.
4
Timing
Marinating: At least 1 hour; Chilling: Overnight preferred.
5
Heat Guide
Boiling Chicken: Medium heat; Chilling: Refrigeration.