If you're craving a dish that bursts with flavor and transports you straight to the bustling streets of Taiwan, look no further than the iconic Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji). This mouthwatering recipe is a harmonious blend of succulent chicken, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, all simmered in a rich sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the secrets of this beloved Chinese classic!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup sesame oil
- 1/3 cup rice wine
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
- 5-6 Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- In a large clay pot or deep skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat until it becomes fragrant and slightly shimmering.
- Add the smashed garlic cloves and sliced ginger to the hot oil, stirring quickly to release their aromatic flavors without burning.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the pot, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even browning. Sear the chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Pour in the rice wine, soy sauce, and allow the liquid to sizzle and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even coating and cooking.
- When the chicken is nearly cooked through and the sauce has reduced by half, add the fresh Thai basil leaves, gently stirring to incorporate their fragrant flavor.
- Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the chicken to become deeply glazed.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly cool.
- Serve hot, spooning the remaining sauce over the chicken, and garnish with additional fresh Thai basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, opt for a whole chicken cut into pieces. Dark meat, like thighs and drumsticks, works particularly well for this dish as it remains juicy and tender during cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger are key to achieving that aromatic punch. Don't skimp on the Thai basil leaves; they add a unique fragrance that defines this dish.
- Control the Heat: Start with medium-high heat to sear the chicken properly, then reduce to medium-low to allow the flavors to meld. This two-step cooking process ensures the chicken is both browned and tender.
- Simmer and Stir: While simmering, turn the chicken occasionally to ensure it absorbs all the delicious sauce. This will also help prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving lets the flavors deepen and the sauce to thicken, making each bite even more delectable.
- Serve with Rice: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which will soak up the rich sauce and complement the bold flavors perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 576kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 125mg
