Asian Style Paper Wrapped Chicken

Paper-wrapped chicken like in a pu pu platter. It is called 'Paper Wrapped' although it is actually wrapped in aluminum foil. This is one of the best appetizers I have ever had at an Asian restaurant and this is my attempt to duplicate it. It goes very well on the pu pu platter.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 150 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon white wine
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• ¼ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup peanut oil for frying, or as needed
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 18 6x6-inch squares of aluminum foil, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix soy sauce, green onion, hoisin sauce, vegetable oil, white wine, cornstarch, sugar, ginger, garlic, five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir chicken cubes into the sauce to coat; marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours.

Step 2

Place 1 to 2 chicken cubes onto a square of aluminum foil and fold the foil diagonally to make a triangle. Fold the edges over tightly several times, about 1/4 inch per fold, squeezing as much air as possible out of the packet. Repeat with remaining ingredients and foil.

Step 3

Pour 1 cup peanut oil, or as needed, into a heavy skillet (such as a cast-iron pan) to a depth of 1/2 inch; heat over medium heat until oil is shimmering.

Step 4

Gently lay the chicken packets, working in batches if necessary, into the hot oil and cook until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear (open a test packet to be sure), about 5 minutes per side. Drain packets on paper towels. Serve chicken in foil wrappers and let diners unwrap their own.