Ingredients

  • 3 12 lbs cut-up chicken
  • 1 clove garlic, halved
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 23 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 14 teaspoon garlic powder
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Method

  • Cut chicken thighs and drumsticks apart, if not already done.
  • Cut tips from wings.
  • Remove any excess fat and excess skin.
  • Cut breast into 2 halves, if not already done.
  • Rub chicken pieces all over with the cut garlic.
  • Sprinkle with pepper.
  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven.
  • Add chicken pieces and cut garlic.
  • Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning to cook all sides.
  • Combine water, soy sauce, vinegars, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of pepper in a small bowl.
  • Pour over chicken.
  • Add bay leaf.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, covered, turning chicken occasionally, until tender.
  • Put chicken pieces on a platter and keep warm.
  • Strain cooking liquid into a small pot.
  • Let stand a few minutes to let fat rise to the surface, and skim off.
  • Combine cornstarch and water until smooth.
  • Bring contents of pot to a boil.
  • Gradually stir cornstarch mixture into the boiling liquid.
  • Boil, stirring, until slightly thickened.
  • Spoon over chicken.
  • Serve with boiled white rice.