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Silken Serenity Chicken: A Cantonese-Style Poached Delight

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Poaching
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Cantonese White Cut Poached Chicken is a classic dish featuring tender, poached whole chicken infused with subtle aromatics, served with a flavorful ginger-scallion sauce. This elegant yet simple preparation highlights the pure, delicate flavors of the chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (11.5 kg)
  • 1.5 liters water (about 6 cups)
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 2 stalks spring onions
  • 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) or dry sherry (optional)
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
  • 2 stalks spring onions, green and white parts separated, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • For Serving:
  • Steamed rice
  • Freshly chopped coriander
  • Chilli oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, spring onions, and sliced ginger.
  2. Submerge the whole chicken in the pot, breast side down. Reduce heat to low and poach gently for 30–40 minutes, until cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and tighten the skin.
  4. When cool, pat chicken dry and rub with sesame oil and cooking wine (if using).
  5. For the sauce, heat neutral oil in a small pan until hot. Add white parts of spring onions and minced ginger; sauté briefly.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green parts of spring onions.
  7. Carve the chicken and serve with steamed rice, sauce, coriander, and chilli oil on the side.

Notes

  • Use an ice bath immediately after poaching to ensure tight, smooth skin.
  • Cooking wine adds aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Serve the chicken at room temperature or slightly warm for best texture.
  • Double the sauce ingredients for more dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 150g
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg