Three Cup Chicken

Name: Three Cup Chicken
Ingredients: 1 1/2 to 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs, each cut into 2 or 3 pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable or grapeseed oil; 6 thin slices peeled ginger; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white rice wine, Shoaxing cooking wine, or dry sherry; 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided; 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil (untoasted is fine, too); Leaves from 1 medium bunch Thai basil (or standard basil), 2 ounces

7 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

1 1/2 to 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs, each cut into 2 or 3 pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable or grapeseed oil
6 thin slices peeled ginger
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white rice wine, Shoaxing cooking wine, or dry sherry
2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
1/4 cup toasted sesame oil (untoasted is fine, too)
Leaves from 1 medium bunch Thai basil (or standard basil), 2 ounces

Directions

1

Put the chicken pieces in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover the meat completely. Bring the water slowly to a simmer, skimming off any scum that forms on the surface. Simmer for 10 minutes. Drain the chicken and discard the water.
2

Meanwhile, get organized-this may feel unnecessary, but the stir-frying happens so quickly, and I find it super helpful to measure the liquids ahead of time. Here's the breakdown: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/4 cup rice wine, 2 tablespoons rice wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1/4 cup sesame oil.
3

Heat a wok or large heavy-bottomed pot with a cover over high heat until a droplet of water sizzles and evaporates immediately upon contact. Swirl the vegetable oil around the bottom and sides of the wok to coat it evenly. Add the ginger to the wok and stir-fry until it is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Add the 2 tablespoons of rice wine or sherry and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes (or less) or until the chicken is browned.
4

If you are using a wok, transfer the chicken to a clay pot or Dutch oven with cover. If you are using the heavy-bottomed pot, leave the chicken in it. Add the remaining 1/4 cup rice wine or sherry, the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and the sesame oil. Cover the pot and simmer the chicken over medium to medium-low heat for 30 minutes, until it is tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce.
5

Just before serving, stir in the basil leaves.