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–+ servings

Chinese Three-Cup Chicken Recipe

This savory, slightly spicy Chinese three-cup chicken recipe features rich umami flavors from soy sauce and sesame oil, balanced by the fresh aroma of Thai basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this Chinese food recipe is bold, fragrant, and satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Wok or large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs deboned, skin left on
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 6 ⅛-inch-thick slices fresh ginger
  • 5 medium garlic cloves smashed
  • 2 scallions white and green parts separated, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 dried red chili halved lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ cup Shaoxing wine
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1½ tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken thighs into large 2-inch chunks, keeping the skin intact.
  • Preheat a wok over high heat until it starts to smoke slightly. Add the neutral oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
  • Arrange the chicken in a single layer and sear for 1 minute without moving. Once the meat naturally releases from the pan, flip it over.
  • Add the ginger slices, smashed garlic, the white parts of the scallions, chili, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the Shaoxing wine, water, both soy sauces, and sugar. Mix well, then lower the heat to medium and cover. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
  • Remove the lid and raise the heat to medium-high. Keep cooking, stirring frequently, for 4 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken in a glossy, caramelized finish.
  • Toss in the Thai basil and green parts of the scallions. Stir well for another 30 seconds, then serve hot.

Notes

  • You can adjust the level of heat by using more or less dried chili.
  • Thai basil adds a signature aroma, but you can substitute with regular basil in a pinch.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the wok when searing the chicken—cook in batches if needed.
Keyword Chinese chicken recipe, Chinese food recipes, easy Chinese recipes, soy sauce chicken stir-fry, stir-fry chicken with basil, three-cup chicken dinner
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