Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 4-6
Ever thought of smoking meat with tea leaves? 🍵🔥 This traditional Chinese technique infuses chicken with deep, aromatic flavors using a mix of tea leaves, rice, and spices. Unlike wood smoking, tea-smoked chicken delivers a delicate, floral smokiness, keeping the meat tender and juicy. The best part? No special equipment needed—just a wok and a lid! 🌿🍗✨
Ingredients For Tea-Smoked Chicken
🔥 For the Smoking Mixture:
☑ ¼ cup loose black tea leaves 🍵
☑ ¼ cup uncooked rice 🍚
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 brown sugar 🍯
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for extra aroma) 🌶️
🔥 For the Chicken:
☑ 1 whole chicken (or 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs) 🍗
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 soy sauce 🥢
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 hoisin sauce
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 five-spice powder 🌿
☑ 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 grated ginger 🫚
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 sesame oil 🥢
🔥 For Serving:
☑ Fresh cilantro or green onions 🌿
☑ Steamed rice or stir-fried greens 🍚
👨🍳 Cooking Steps For Tea-Smoked Chicken
🍵 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1️⃣ Mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
2️⃣ Rub the marinade all over the chicken, then let it sit for at least 1 hour (overnight for deeper flavor).
🍵 Step 2: Prepare the Tea-Smoking Setup
1️⃣ Line the bottom of a wok or deep pot with foil.
2️⃣ Mix tea leaves, rice, brown sugar, and Sichuan peppercorns, then spread them over the foil.
3️⃣ Place a heatproof wire rack over the tea mixture, ensuring the chicken won’t touch the smoking elements.
🍵 Step 3: Smoke the Chicken
1️⃣ Heat the wok over medium-high heat until the tea mixture starts to smoke.
2️⃣ Place the chicken on the rack, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce heat to medium-low.
3️⃣ Smoke for 15-20 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
🍵 Step 4: Finish Cooking & Serve
1️⃣ If using whole chicken, roast in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until fully cooked.
2️⃣ For thighs, you can finish searing in a pan for crispy skin.
3️⃣ Slice and serve with steamed rice and fresh herbs! “Tea-Smoked Chicken”
Fragrant, smoky, and incredibly tender—tea-smoked chicken is an ancient technique that adds layers of complexity to a simple dish. Who’s ready to try this flavorful twist on smoked meat? 🍵🔥
Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Jhal Muri: Kolkata’s Iconic Spicy Puffed Rice Snack! You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
