Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji) - AUTHENTIC!

Cooked three cup chicken in a pot with basil.

5 from 4 votes

Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji) - AUTHENTIC!

Three Cup Chicken or San Bei Ji is so flavorful and easy to make - all you have to do is combine the ingredients and let it cook until ready! You'll be blown away by the tender and juicy chicken, coated in a glossy sauce that is savory, fragrant, and just a little bit spicy. Trust me, you won't be able to get enough!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Servings:

Author: Chris Joe

Equipment

Dutch Oven

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken thighs cut to 2" pieces
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup shaoxing wine
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1/4 tsp msg optional
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil

Aromatics

6 slices ginger
6 cloves garlic
4 dried red chilis
2 cups fresh basil

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cut your chicken thigh into 2" pieces and set aside, then prep your ginger, garlic, chili and basil and place in a separate bowl.
Premix your sauce by combining hot water, shaoxing wine, light and dark soy sauce, msg, sugar, and sesame oil.
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of avocado oil over medium high heat and fry your ginger, garlic, and chili for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Add your chicken thigh and saute for 2-3 minutes until the chicken has slightly browned.
Add your premixed sauce and mix to combine. Bring to a rapid simmer and cover and turn the heat to medium low. Braise for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Turn off the heat and add your fresh basil and combine until wilted. Serve over hot rice and enjoy!

Notes

- Cut the chicken thigh into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly.

- Stir the chicken occasionally while braising to prevent any burning.

- If the sauce is not thickening, simmer uncovered. If the chicken is done and the sauce still looks too watery, turn the heat up and stir continuously to encourage the sauce to reduce faster.

- The sauce should look glistening and shiny, and there should be just enough to cover the bottom of the pot. It should not be soupy!

Storage and Reheating

Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji) is a great dish to prepare in advance, as it keeps very well and the flavors taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave.

Nutrition