Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji - 三杯鸡) 🐔

Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji - 三杯鸡) 🐔

Traditional and iconic, Three Cup Chicken is a dish that carries the warmth of Taiwanese home cooking straight to your table. The name comes from the trio of flavors that define it: sesame oil, soy sauce, and Shaoxing rice wine — slowly simmered until they turn into a rich, glossy glaze. With fragrant ginger, garlic, and chili balancing the sweetness, and fresh basil added at the end, this comforting dish has been a family favorite for generations. Pair it with rice, and you’ll understand why it’s such a timeless classic!

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Cooking time: 20-30 minutes

Serves: 2-3 people 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 ginger (matchsticks shape)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 fresh red chili pepper
  • 500g chicken thighs (in small blocks)
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 cup Shaoxing rice wine
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Fresh Thai basil (optional, but highly recommended)

Instructions:

  1. Heat heaps of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. 
  2. Add in the ginger, garlic cloves, and chili, and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken thigh pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides.
  4. Pour in 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1,5 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 cup Shaoxing wine, and 2 tbsp of sugar. 
  5. Stir to combine.
  6. Lower the heat and simmer covered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces into a glossy coating.
  7. Optional: toss in a handful of Thai basil leaves at the end for extra aroma.
  8. Plate up, garnish with sesame seeds and our Crispy Chilli Oil, and serve hot with rice!