Bai Qie Ji
Cantonese White Cut Chicken
A classic Cantonese dish, Bai Qie Ji, or White Cut Chicken, celebrates the pure, delicate flavor of chicken. The bird is gently poached to tender perfection, then served with a vibrant and aromatic ginger-scallion oil. This recipe focuses on simple techniques to highlight the natural taste of high-quality chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 Whole chicken(about 1.5kg (3.3 lbs), preferably free-range for best flavor and texture. Ensure it's cleaned inside and out, removing any giblets.)
- 4 inches Ginger(divided. About 2 inches for poaching, and 2 inches for the oil. Peel and thinly slice the poaching ginger; finely mince the ginger for the oil.)
- 6 Scallions (green onions)(divided. About 3 for poaching, and 3 for the oil. Trim roots and any tough green tops. Roughly chop the poaching scallions; finely mince the scallions for the oil.)
- 1.5 tbsp Salt(divided. 1 tbsp for poaching water, and 0.5 tbsp for the ginger-scallion oil.)
- 80 ml Vegetable oil(or other neutral cooking oil like canola or peanut oil. This is for the ginger-scallion oil.)
- generous amount Ice cubes(for the ice bath.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the poaching liquid: In a large pot or Dutch oven that can comfortably fit the whole chicken, combine enough cold water to submerge the chicken (about 2-3 liters or 8-12 cups). Add the sliced ginger (about 2 inches), roughly chopped scallions (about 3), and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Poach the chicken: Carefully lower the whole chicken into the boiling liquid. Ensure it is fully submerged. Once the water returns to a gentle simmer (do not let it boil vigorously), reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and poach for 30-35 minutes. The chicken is cooked when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) registers 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear when pierced.
⏱️ 30-35 minutes - 3
Rest and shock the chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs or chopsticks, letting excess water drain. Immediately plunge the chicken into a large bowl filled with ice water (an ice bath). This crucial step stops the cooking process instantly, resulting in tender meat and firm, slightly gelatinous skin. Let it chill for at least 15-20 minutes.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 4
Prepare the ginger-scallion oil: While the chicken is chilling, prepare the aromatic oil. In a heatproof bowl, combine the finely minced ginger (about 2 inches) and finely minced scallions (about 3). Add the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of salt. Heat the 80ml of vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it is very hot and just starting to shimmer (around 180-190°C or 350-375°F). Carefully pour the hot oil over the ginger and scallion mixture. It will sizzle vigorously. Stir well to combine. Let it sit for flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Carve and serve: Remove the chicken from the ice bath and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the poaching aromatics. Carve the chicken into serving pieces (legs, thighs, wings, and breast portions). Arrange the chicken pieces on a serving platter. Spoon the prepared ginger-scallion oil generously over the chicken just before serving.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best texture, use a good quality, preferably free-range chicken. The poaching liquid should be hot enough to cook but not so hot that it boils vigorously, which can toughen the meat.
- ✓The ice bath is essential for achieving the characteristic 'white cut' texture and preventing the chicken from overcooking.
- ✓Ensure the oil for the ginger-scallion sauce is sufficiently hot when poured over the aromatics; this 'blooms' the ginger and scallions, releasing their fragrance.
- ✓Taste the ginger-scallion oil before serving and adjust salt if needed.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with a side of light soy sauce for dipping.
- Offer a traditional sand ginger powder dip (mix sand ginger powder with salt).