Soy Braised Chicken with Smashed Cukes

• porții: 6 servings
• timp total: 1 hour

Ingrediente

For the Soy Braised Chicken

8 bone in chicken thighs

3/4 cup soy sauce

1.5 cup mirin

3 Juice of an orange, plus a few peels

1 shallot, halved

1 bulb garlic, halved

1 piece ginger, sliced

3 cups water

Scallion for garnish

For the smashed cukes

1 English cucumber

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

2 tbsp sesame oil

1/4 cup rice vinegar

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Instrucțiuni

Step 1

Pat the chicken quarters dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Heat a large, deep skillet or braising pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken quarters, skin-side down, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the shallot, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 4

Deglaze the pan with the mirin, scraping up any browned bits. Add the soy sauce, orange juice, orange peels, cayenne powder, and enough chicken stock to cover the chicken 3/4 of the way. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 6

While the chicken braises, prepare the smashed cucumbers: cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the cucumber halves cut-side down on a cutting board, then use the flat side of a knife or rolling pin to lightly smash them until they crack. Cut into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the smashed cucumbers with the chopped cilantro, sesame oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Once the chicken is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the braising liquid reduces to a thick glaze, about 10 to 15 minutes. Spoon the glaze over the chicken to coat.

Step 8

Serve the chicken with the glaze drizzled on top and garnish with scallions.