Chinese Delicacy: Bazhen Chicken37

Bazhen chicken, a traditional Chinese delicacy, is a whole chicken that has been marinated, braised, and roasted to perfection. It is a popular dish served during Chinese New Year and other festive occasions. The name "bazhen" literally translates to "eight treasures," as the chicken is often stuffed with eight different ingredients, such as mushrooms, chestnuts, bamboo shoots, lotus seeds, and ham.

The history of bazhen chicken can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). It is said that the dish was created by the imperial chef, who was searching for a way to make roasted chicken more flavorful. He experimented with various ingredients and seasonings, until he finally came up with the perfect recipe. Bazhen chicken quickly became a favorite of the emperor and his court, and it soon spread to the rest of China.

Today, bazhen chicken is still a popular dish, and it can be found in restaurants and homes all over China. There are many different variations of the recipe, but the basic ingredients and cooking method remain the same. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and garlic. It is then braised in a clay pot with the other ingredients, and finally roasted until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Bazhen chicken is typically served whole, with the head and feet intact. It is a visually impressive dish, and it makes a great centerpiece for a special occasion. The meat is tender and juicy, and the skin is crispy and flavorful. The stuffing adds a complex and unique flavor to the dish, and it helps to balance the richness of the chicken.

If you are looking for a traditional and delicious Chinese dish, bazhen chicken is a great choice. It is a flavorful and visually impressive dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.## Ingredients
* 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
* 1 cup soy sauce
* 1/2 cup rice wine
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
* 1/4 cup chopped water chestnuts
* 1/4 cup chopped bamboo shoots
* 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
* 1/4 cup chopped lotus seeds
* 1/4 cup chopped ham
## Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. In a large clay pot, place the chicken and the marinade. Add the green onions, cilantro, peanuts, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, lotus seeds, and ham.
4. Cover and bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.