Why is it called three cups chicken

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.

What if I don't have a clay pot?

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.

I cannot find Thai Basil.

You can use regular basil. The flavor will be slightly altered.

Fast and Easy 3 Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji Recipe)

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Author: Carmen
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: mains
Method: braising
Cuisine: asian

Keywords: 3 cup chicken, three cup chicken, san bei ji, three cup chicken recipe, three cup chicken instant pot