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Three Cup Chicken

A Taiwanese classic braised in equal parts soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. Tender chicken with basil and a savory-sweet glaze.

45 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, halved
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
  • 8 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 2 red chilies, halved
  • 2 scallions, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 1/2 cup sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add 8 crushed garlic cloves and 2 tbsp sliced fresh ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add 2 lbs halved boneless chicken thighs and sear on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.

  4. 4

    Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce and 1/2 cup rice wine (Shaoxing wine). Bring to a simmer.

  5. 5

    Add 2 halved red chilies. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until thighs is cooked through.

  6. 6

    Stir in 1 cup Thai basil leaves. Simmer uncovered for 3 minutes.

  7. 7

    Garnish with 2 chopped scallions and serve over rice.

Questions

Can I make Three Cup Chicken gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Three Cup Chicken keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Three Cup Chicken?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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