✅ I. Ingredient List
Here are the main ingredients needed to make Steam Pot Chicken.
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity | Notes (Emoji & Description) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Tender Chicken (Sanhuang Chicken / Silkie Bantam preferred) | 1 (approx. 1000-1500g) | 🐔 Choose a young hen about to lay eggs or a young rooster that just started crowing for better texture. |
| Steaming Liquid | Water | As needed | 💧 For the steamer pot; NO water is added inside the steam pot itself. |
| Aromatics | Ginger | Approx. 20-50g | Sliced |
| Scallions (Spring Onions) | As needed | Cut into sections or tied into knots | |
| Tonic Add-ins (Optional) | Panax notoginseng Powder/Pieces (三七) | 3-5g | Soak in advance; can nourish blood. |
| Cordyceps Flowers (虫草花) | 1 small handful | Soak in warm water in advance. | |
| Red Dates (Jujube) | A few | ||
| Goji Berries (Wolfberries) | Approx. 10g | ||
| Bamboo Fungus (竹荪) | As needed | Soak in advance; add about half an hour before finishing cooking. |
👨🍳 II. Instructions
Making Steam Pot Chicken emphasizes the original flavor. Here are the core steps.
- 🐔 Prepare the Chicken:
- •Clean the slaughtered chicken thoroughly, remove internal organs and any remaining feathers. Rinse and drain.
- •Cut the chicken into chunks about 3 cm square. Chicken fat can be removed and set aside.
- 🧂 Marinating (Optional, but recommended):
- •Chicken pieces can be mixed with scallion sections, ginger slices, salt, and cooking wine, then marinated for 30 minutes or more to allow flavors to penetrate.
- 🍲 Loading the Pot (Key Step):
- •Place ginger slices at the bottom of the steam pot.
- •Place the marinated (or blanched) chicken pieces into the steam pot. If using tonic herbs like Panax notoginseng (三七), they can be added now.
- •Ensure NO water is added inside the steam pot; all the broth will come from steam condensation during the steaming process.
- 🔥 Steaming (The Most Crucial Step):
- •Prepare a larger steamer pot and add sufficient water. Bring to a boil.
- •Place the steam pot steadily onto the steamer pot, ensuring the steam nozzle at the bottom of the steam pot aligns with the opening of the steamer below. You can use cheesecloth or a wet towel to seal the gap between the two pots to prevent steam leakage.
- •Cover the steam pot with its lid.
- •Keep the heat high until the water boils, then reduce to medium-low heat for slow steaming for 2-4 hours. During this time, monitor the water level in the steamer pot; if water needs to be added, be sure to add hot water.
- •If adding quick-cooking ingredients like Bamboo Fungus (竹荪), add them about half an hour before finishing cooking.
- 5.🍽️ Seasoning and Tasting:
- •Once steaming is complete, carefully remove the steam pot.
- •Remove the scallions and ginger.
- •Season with an appropriate amount of salt and white pepper powder to taste.
- •Enjoy the delicious chicken soup and the tender chicken meat!
🌟 III. Seasoning Ratio & Nutrition Info
The seasoning for Steam Pot Chicken aims for simplicity to highlight the natural flavor of the ingredients.
| Seasoning | Precise Amount (g) | Notes (Emoji & Description) |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Salt | 3-5g | Provides base saltiness; adjust to taste. |
| Cooking Wine | Approx. 15g | 🍶 Removes gaminess and adds aroma. |
| White Pepper Powder | A little | Optional, added before serving to enhance fragrance. |
💡 Chef’s Tips (TIPS)
- Choosing the Chicken is Key: Prioritize young hens, Sanhuang chickens, or Silkie Bantams. Silkie Bantams are particularly rich in amino acids and trace elements, with lower cholesterol and fat content.
- The Pot is the Soul: An authentic Jianshui clay steam pot better concentrates steam and flavor, and is an important part of making a truly authentic Steam Pot Chicken.
- Precise Heat Control is Core: Long hours of slow steaming over low heat are essential to achieve the signature texture of Steam Pot Chicken, ensuring the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and the broth is delicious.
- Variations are Possible: Beyond the basic version, you can try adding Panax notoginseng (blood-nourishing), Cordyceps flowers, Gastrodia elata etc., to make a medicinal (medicinal cuisine) Steam Pot Chicken for enhanced (tonic) effects.
- Enjoy the Original Flavor: The characteristic of Steam Pot Chicken is its original flavor. When tasting, it’s recommended to first drink the clear broth and then eat the meat to appreciate its fresh and delicious natural taste.
