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
