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–+ servings
Three Cup Chicken

Irresistible Three Cup Chicken: Tender, Saucy Comfort in 40 Minutes

This Three Cup Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken thighs in a sticky, savory sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil use a high-quality oil
  • 2 inches fresh ginger minced
  • 4 cloves garlic halved
  • 1/2 cup Shaoxing wine can be swapped with dry sherry
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For Thickening
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Garnishing
  • 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves can replace with Italian basil

Equipment

  • wok or skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by tossing your chicken thighs in a bowl with baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Thoroughly rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, combine Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar until dissolved.
  4. Heat sesame oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
  5. Add chicken thighs and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, cooking until browned and no longer pink.
  6. Pour sauce mixture over chicken and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, add to the wok, and stir to thicken.
  8. Drizzle remaining sesame oil and toss in Thai basil before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse chicken after baking soda treatment to avoid bitterness. Avoid overcrowding the pan for better sear. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Adjust sweetness of sauce according to taste.

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