Taiwan’s Most Beloved Dish: Three Cup Chicken (#三杯雞) Recipe

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Chicken breast is leaner, while drumsticks are often less expensive.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake, while tamari is gluten-free.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is more economical.

rice wine

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a tangy flavor, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

Marinate chicken thighs in soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder for at least 30 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Coat marinated chicken in cornstarch, shaking off excess.

Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch.

Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.

In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add fried chicken back to the skillet along with sugar, black pepper, and red chili flakes.

Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until well combined.

Add fresh basil and scallions, tossing to combine for 1 minute.

Serve hot with steamed rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens