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Beggar’s Chicken

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time4 mins

 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
 Salt and pepper to taste
 2 tablespoons soy sauce
 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
 1 tablespoon sesame oil
 2-3 large lotus leaves (or aluminum foil if lotus leaves are unavailable)
 1 cup clay or dough (for the traditional method) or aluminum foil for wrapping
For the Stuffing:
 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, soaked and chopped
 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, chopped
 2 green onions, chopped
 2 slices ginger
 3 cloves garlic, minced
1

Prepare the Chicken:

Clean the chicken and pat it dry. Rub the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil.
Stuff the cavity with shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green onions, ginger, and garlic.

2

Wrap the Chicken:

Soak the lotus leaves in water until they are pliable, then wrap the chicken entirely with the leaves. If using aluminum foil, ensure the chicken is wrapped tightly so the juices are sealed in.
If using the traditional method, encase the lotus leaf-wrapped chicken in clay or dough.

3

Bake the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the wrapped chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken. If using clay, it will harden as it bakes.

4

Serve:

Once done, remove the chicken from the oven. If covered in clay or dough, crack the shell open and remove it along with the lotus leaves.
Carve the chicken and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

200g

Amount per serving
Calories800
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 45g58%

Saturated Fat 15g75%
Sodium 700mg31%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 70g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.