At the table
Take small pieces with chopsticks and check for bones. Let the chicken cool slightly; the casserole and sauce may be very hot.
Contains chicken, sesame, soy and cooking rice wine; soy seasoning may contain wheat. Do not assume cooking makes it alcohol-free. Watch for bones and a hot casserole.
Chicken cuts, chilli, sweetness and sauce ratios vary. Some versions use soy sauce, others thick soy sauce; the name does not require three literal equal cups.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Chicken cuts, chilli, sweetness and sauce ratios vary. Some versions use soy sauce, others thick soy sauce; the name does not require three literal equal cups.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory-sweet soy glaze with sesame, ginger, garlic and fragrant basil; chilli adds some heat.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender chicken with a glossy reduced sauce and softened garlic.
- How it’s made
- Ginger and chicken are browned in sesame oil, simmered with wine and soy seasoning, then finished with basil as the sauce reduces.
Chicken cuts, chilli, sweetness and sauce ratios vary. Some versions use soy sauce, others thick soy sauce; the name does not require three literal equal cups.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Taiwan.
About this regional connection
Taiwan: Basil and cooking-rice-wine Taiwanese version, distinct from Ningdu version; no exclusive origin claim.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有台式三杯鸡吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Basil at the finish
Basil added near the end gives this Taiwanese version a distinctive aroma. Sesame oil, cooking rice wine and soy seasoning form the sauce, with proportions adjusted by the cook.