Three-Cup Chicken

Three-Cup Chicken: savory, sweet, and utterly irresistible! 🤤 So good, it's gone in seconds. 🍽️

1. A Quick Note:

Three-Cup Chicken is a classic Taiwanese dish known for its rich, savory-sweet flavor and aromatic blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy night in.

2. Ingredients List:

• 2-3 leaves of basil, julienned
• 1 bulb garlic, separated into individual cloves, skins on
• 3 slices old ginger
• 1 cup rice wine
• 1 cup sesame oil
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 3 large bunches of spring onions, cut into 1 inch lengths
• 2 tablespoon fine sugar
• 1 whole chicken

3. Step-by-Step Instructions:

The cooking process involves simmering the chicken in a flavorful sauce made from the 'three cups' of liquids, along with aromatics. The chicken is cooked until tender and the sauce reduces to a glossy glaze, infusing every bite with intense flavor.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine in a bowl. Ensure the chicken is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor. Before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat sesame oil in a wok or clay pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic, ginger slices, and chopped spring onions to the hot oil. Fry the aromatics briefly, stirring constantly, until they release their fragrance, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the wok or clay pot with the aromatics. Sear the chicken pieces, stirring frequently, until they are browned on all sides. This step helps to develop a rich, savory flavor and locks in the juices.

Step 4: Simmer and Caramelize

Pour the remaining marinade liquid and sugar into the wok or clay pot with the chicken. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer. Continue to cook until almost all the liquid has evaporated and the chicken is deeply caramelized, even slightly charred in some spots. The chicken should be sizzling and have very little gravy left when served.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve Three-Cup Chicken hot over steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. It pairs wonderfully with a side of stir-fried greens.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 6 servings, Calories: 435kcal, Protein: 28g, Fat: 26g, Carbohydrates: 9g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Cholesterol: 95mg, Sodium: 2252mg

6. Final Touch:

Three-Cup Chicken is a delightful culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of Taiwan to your kitchen. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a memorable and satisfying dish to share with family and friends. Give it a try and experience the magic!