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Three Cup Chicken is a traditional Taiwanese dish called San Bei Ji. It is bone-in chicken simmered in the most flavorful aromatic sauce. The key ingredients include soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (rice wine), and sesame oil. This dish is special because of aromatics like ginger, garlic, and Sweet Thai Basil leaves. You have to make this ultra-comforting meal. It is one of my family's favorites.
What is THREE CUP CHICKEN?
San means THREE
Bei means CUP
Ji means CHICKEN
This classic Taiwanese recipe means 1 cup of each liquid ingredient. For example, 1 cup of sesame oil, 1 cup of rice wine, and 1 cup of equal parts soy sauce. The traditional way is to cook this in a clay pot. It gives it more flavor.
I do not own a clay pot, as I have an induction stove. I used a cast iron pan with a lid, which was amazing. Use what you have. I believe that you don't need to have all the kitchen tools, gadgets, and appliances to achieve the same end goal. I believe in using quality ingredients first and foremost.
Why I love Three Cup Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy dinner. This dish is ready in 30 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients, and you only need a pan with a lid.
- Sweet Thai Basil - this is the best part of this dish. I put so much Thia basil to have a basil leaf at every bite.
Tips for making the best 3 Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
- Remove the skin from the chicken thighs to make them healthier. Less fat.
- Use your Instant Pot (pressure cooker) for a faster cooking time. Brown the chicken, and add all the aromatics and sauce ingredients. Set to manual - 15 minutes. Natural release.
Storage and Reheat
If you end up having leftovers (very rare), store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a microwave.
What to serve with 3 cup chicken
Serve this delicious dish with freshly steamed rice and some sauteed leafy greens like this BRAISED KALE. Make sure you ladle some of the beautiful dark sauce all over. Enjoy!
Fast and Easy 3 Cup Chicken - FAQs
This classic Taiwanese recipe means 1 cup of each liquid ingredient. For example, 1 cup of sesame oil, 1 cup of rice wine (Shaoxing wine), and 1 cup of equal parts soy sauce.
The traditional way is to cook this in a clay pot. It gives it more flavor.
You can use regular basil. The flavor will be slightly altered.
3 Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji Recipe)
Three Cup Chicken is a traditional Taiwanese dish called San Bei Ji. It is bone-in chicken simmered in the most flavorful aromatic sauce. The key ingredients include soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (rice wine), and sesame oil. Aromatics like ginger, garlic, and Sweet Thai Basil leaves make this dish special. You have to make this ultra-comforting meal. It is one of my favorites.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 1x
Ingredients
6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed*)
10 cloves of smashed garlic
8 ginger slices
2-3 dried chili
3 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine)
3 tbsp sesame oil
3 tsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp of neutral oil for frying
3 tbsp of water
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 cup fresh Thai Basil leaves
Instructions
- *Optional: Remove the chicken skin to make the dish healthier.
- In medium heat, add neutral oil to a cast iron pan, and brown your chicken pieces on all sides.
- In the meantime, prep the rest of your ingredients. Smash your garlic, slice your ginger, and remove the basil leaves from the stem.
- Prep your sauce. Put all the liquids in a bowl. Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and water.
- Once your chicken is browned, add the garlic, ginger and chilis. Saute until fragrant. 1 minute.
- Add the sauce.
- Put a lid and let it come to a boil, and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add the Thai basil leaves.
- Mix a little bit with a spatula for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Remove the skin from the chicken thighs to make them healthier. Less fat.
- For a faster cooking time, use your Instant Pot (pressure cooker). Brown the chicken, and add all the aromatics and sauce ingredients. Set to manual - 15 minutes. Natural release.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: mains
- Method: braising
- Cuisine: asian
Roberta O says
10/10 😍
Kim says
So much umami on the dish, chicken is tender since its thighs and much healthier since it has no skin too. Added greens on the side too balance it. Thanks Carmen.
Shasha says
Thanks Carmen. All ingredients are easy to find.
Rebekah Wills says
Loved this dish, extremely easy to make, so tender and tonns of flavor.
Carmen says
Thank you. It is one of my favorites.
Janet says
Are you using plain or toasted sesame seed oil. They are quite different flavours so that will make quite a difference.
Thanks for the advice 🙂
Carmen says
Thank you for your comment. I will definitely be more specific moving forward. This recipe requires just regular sesame oil.
Cathy Chew says
My family loved this dish and it was so easy to prepare. 10/10
Daniela says
Thank you. Can’t wait to try.
Question: so you don’t do the 1 cup of sauce ingredients? Bit confused on this one 🥴
Carmen says
My version doesn't do the exact 1 cup as it was too much sauce. It is good if you're making a huge batch. I was making it for my family and me. The measurements still equate to 1 to 1 measurement.
Daniela says
Of course..thank you 😊
Kathryn Cobb says
What kind of chilis are used in this recipe?
Carmen says
You can use whatever chilis you want. I used dried chilis. I bought mine from my local Asian grocery stores. Very inexpensive and will last you a long time.