Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights tender chicken paired with a fragrant, savory sauce. It’s perfect for a light meal served alongside steamed rice and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 4 slices ginger
- 3 green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 Tbsp shaoxing wine (optional)
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp neutral oil
- 3 green onions (white parts only, roughly chopped)
- 4 slices ginger
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onions (green parts only)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- Pinch or two of salt (adjust to taste)
- White rice, for serving
- Sliced cucumbers, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, combine the chicken drumsticks, ginger slices, green onion pieces, shaoxing wine (if using), salt, and cold water just enough to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 2: Once cooked, transfer the chicken immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. When cooled, shred the chicken with your hands and place it on a serving plate.
- Step 3: Heat the neutral oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and ginger slices, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned and fragrant. Use a slotted spoon to strain out the solids, keeping the hot oil aside.
- Step 4: Place the chopped green parts of the scallions in a heatproof bowl, then pour the hot oil over them to release aroma. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, sugar, and salt, mixing well to create the ginger scallion sauce.
- Step 5: If the shredded chicken has cooled, warm it gently in the microwave just until heated through. Pour the prepared ginger scallion sauce over the chicken and toss to combine.
- Step 6: Serve the glazed chicken with steamed white rice and sliced cucumbers for a fresh contrast.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks for a juicier texture.
- If you don’t have shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate briefly with a little soy sauce before poaching.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover poached chicken and ginger scallion sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs or breasts can be used. Thighs stay juicier, while breasts cook faster and may dry out if overcooked.
Is the ginger scallion sauce suitable for other dishes?
Absolutely! This sauce works well as a dressing for noodles, steamed vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for dumplings.
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Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Poached Chinese Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken drumsticks poached to perfection and served with a fragrant, savory ginger scallion sauce. Paired with white rice and fresh cucumbers, it’s a comforting and balanced meal that highlights traditional Chinese flavors and cooking methods.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Poaching Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 4 slices ginger
- 3 green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 Tbsp Shaoxing wine (optional)
- 2 tsp salt
Ginger Scallion Sauce Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 3 green onions (white parts only, roughly chopped)
- 4 slices ginger
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onions (green parts only)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- Pinch or two of salt (adjust to taste)
Serving Suggestions
- White rice
- Sliced cucumbers
Instructions
- Poach the Chicken: In a medium pot, combine the chicken drumsticks, ginger slices, green onion pieces, Shaoxing wine (if using), salt, and just enough cold water to cover the chicken. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, until just cooked through.
- Shock and Shred the Chicken: Immediately transfer the cooked chicken drumsticks to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and cool the meat. Once fully cooled, shred the chicken using your hands and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Prepare the Ginger Scallion Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the neutral oil over medium heat. Add the white parts of the scallions and the ginger slices, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. Use a slotted spoon to remove the solids, leaving the infused oil hot in the pan. In a heatproof bowl, place the chopped green parts of the scallions and carefully pour the hot oil over them to release their aroma in a sizzling effect. Then, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, sugar, and salt; stir well to combine.
- Warm the Chicken if Needed and Serve: If the shredded chicken has cooled down, gently warm it in the microwave until just warm—avoid overheating to keep the texture tender. Pour the ginger scallion soy sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Serve the chicken alongside steamed white rice and freshly sliced cucumbers for a refreshing balance.
Notes
- Shredding the chicken by hand gives the dish a nice texture that absorbs the sauce better.
- Adjust the salt and sugar in the sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Using Shaoxing wine adds an authentic depth of flavor but can be omitted if unavailable or for dietary restrictions.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken during poaching to keep it tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs perfectly with simple steamed rice and crisp fresh cucumbers to balance the savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Poached Chicken, Chinese Chicken, Ginger Scallion Sauce, Asian Chicken Recipe, Easy Weeknight Dinner
