Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1132 · Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken

Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken, and where to source it

Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken Chinese 5best2buy.com

Add the potatoes partway so they cook through and thicken the sauce naturally without collapsing before the chicken is done.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook40 min
MakesServes 4
CuisineChinese
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Bone-in chicken, chopped in chunks
2 lb
900 g
Local / market
Potatoes, in chunks
2
2
Local / market
Green peppers, in chunks
2
2
Local / market
Dried red chilies
6
6
Local / market
Star anise and cinnamon
2 pcs
2 pcs
Local / market
Ginger, garlic, onion
1 cup
1 cup
Local / market
Doubanjiang (bean paste)
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Rock sugar
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Light and dark soy sauce
3 tbsp
45 ml
Local / market
Wide belt noodles (biang biang)
12 oz
340 g
Local / market
Beer or water
2 cups
480 ml
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Melt the rock sugar in oil, add the chicken chunks, and fry until colored, then add the chilies, spices, ginger, garlic, and bean paste.PT8M
  2. Pour in the soys and beer, bring to a boil, and simmer covered for 20 minutes.PT20M
  3. Add the potatoes and cook until tender and the sauce thickens, then stir in the peppers and onion for the last few minutes.PT12M
  4. Boil the belt noodles, drain, and tip the whole braise over them on a big platter to serve.PT5M
The Toolkit

Wok · Cleaver · Noodle pot

Straight Answers
Can you make Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).

Is Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1132