Jiangxi Three-Cup Chicken: A Fragrant and Savory Classic

Three-Cup Chicken, known as "san bei ji" in Chinese, is a famous dish from Jiangxi Province. It is a signature of Jiangxi cuisine. The dish gets its name from the traditional recipe, which calls for one cup each of three key ingredients: soy sauce, cooking wine, and sesame oil. It is said to have originated during the Ming Dynasty and was created by a scholar named Wen Tianxiang, who was imprisoned and cooked this dish using a clay pot and the three cups of ingredients. Today, it is a beloved dish across China.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Chicken: A whole chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cooking: The chicken is placed in a clay pot with one cup of soy sauce, one cup of cooking wine, and one cup of sesame oil. Ginger, garlic, and sugar are added for extra flavor.

3. Braising: The pot is covered and simmered over low heat for about 20–30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

4. Serving: The dish is served hot, directly from the clay pot, often garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Review and Appreciation

Three-Cup Chicken is loved for its tender, juicy meat and rich, savory sauce. The combination of soy sauce, wine, and sesame oil creates a deep, aromatic flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.