Skip to main content

Soy Cumin Chicken

3.8

(33)

This spicy, smoky chicken is tailor-made for a large group of family and friends. And, since it's delicious served warm or at room temperature, your guests can eat it at their leisure.

Cooks' Notes:

·For easy portability, chicken can be transferred as cooled to 2 large disposable roasting pans. Cover tightly with foil.
·Leftover sauce keeps in an airtight container, chilled, up to 3 days. Cool completely, uncovered, then chill, covered. Bring to room temperature before using.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    3 1/2 hr (includes marinating chicken)

  • Yield

    Makes 10 to 12 servings

Ingredients

2 cups soy sauce (16 fl oz)
3/4 cup medium-dry Sherry
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil plus additional for brushing pans
1/4 cup minced garlic (from about 5 large cloves)
3 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
3 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried hot red-pepper flakes
10 chicken wings (2 lb total)
6 chicken breast halves with skin and bones (4 1/2 lb total)
6 chicken drumsticks (2 lb total)
6 chicken thighs (2 lb total)
1/2 lime
Accompaniment: lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Stir together soy sauce, Sherry, sugar, vegetable oil, garlic, sesame oil, cumin, and red-pepper flakes in a large glass measure until sugar is dissolved.

    Step 2

    Divide chicken pieces among 3 large sealable bags, then divide marinade among bags and seal, pressing out excess air. Put bags in a large bowl (in case of leaks) and marinate chicken, chilled, 2 hours.

    Step 3

    Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 450°F.

    Step 4

    Line 2 large shallow baking pans (18 by 12 by 1 inch) with foil and brush foil with some of oil.

    Step 5

    Transfer chicken pieces with tongs to a large bowl and pour marinade into a 4-quart wide saucepan.

    Step 6

    Divide half of chicken between pans, skin sides down, without touching, and roast chicken in oven 12 minutes. Loosen cooked chicken with a metal spatula (browned chicken may stick to foil; don't worry if some skin is left behind), then turn chicken over and switch position of pans. Continue to roast until cooked through and lightly browned, 13 to 18 minutes more. Transfer chicken to platter (do not cover).

    Step 7

    Discard foil, then line pans with new foil and brush foil with oil. Divide remaining chicken between pans, skin sides down, without touching, and roast in oven 12 minutes. Loosen chicken with spatula, then turn chicken over and switch position of pans. Continue to roast until cooked through and lightly browned, 13 to 18 minutes more. Transfer to a large platter (do not cover).

    Step 8

    While chicken roasts, gently boil marinade until reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, 20 to 25 minutes. Drizzle chicken with some of sauce and serve remainder on the side.

    Step 9

    Squeeze juice from lime half all over chicken before serving.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.