1 Drunken Chicken is a dish that originated from Chinese cuisine. It is a flavorful and aromatic chicken dish that is known for its unique cooking method. This dish got its name from being prepared using Chinese rice wine, giving it a distinct taste and aroma. One serving of Drunken Chicken has around 724 calories, making it a hearty dish that is best enjoyed with family or friends.
Drunken Chicken is not just popular in China, but is also loved in other parts of the world. It is a simple and easy-to-make dish that requires only a few ingredients but has a lot of depth in flavors. Some of the top ingredients that are used in making this dish include chicken, Chinese rice wine, ginger, and soy sauce.
In this article, we will explore the different nuances of making and serving Drunken Chicken, providing you with various tips and tricks to make this dish an absolute delight for your guests.
What is Drunken Chicken?
Drunken Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is known for its unique flavor and aroma. It is prepared using chicken that is marinated in Chinese rice wine for a few hours, along with other spices like ginger and soy sauce. This gives the chicken a tender texture and a flavorful taste that is hard to resist. The preparation method of Drunken Chicken involves cooking the marinated chicken in Chinese rice wine, which also helps in infusing a strong aroma that is distinct to this dish. Once cooked, the chicken is traditionally served cold or at room temperature.
The Origin of Drunken Chicken
Drunken Chicken is believed to have originated in the province of Zhejiang in China. This dish has a long history and was first created during the Tang Dynasty. It was originally prepared using old hens that had passed their laying cycle but were still full of flavor. Over time, this dish became popular all over China and eventually made its way to other parts of the world. Drunken Chicken is now enjoyed globally and is considered as one of the signature dishes of Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients for Drunken Chicken
To make delicious Drunken Chicken, you will need the following ingredients: whole chicken, Chinese rice wine, ginger, soy sauce, green onions, and sugar. You can also add other spices and herbs like star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorn to enhance the flavor of the dish. Make sure that you use high-quality ingredients for this dish, especially the chicken, as it is the main ingredient that defines the taste and texture of the dish.
How is Drunken Chicken Made?
Making Drunken Chicken is an easy and straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Prepare the marinade by mixing Chinese rice wine, soy sauce, green onions, ginger, sugar, and other spices in a bowl.
- Clean the chicken and remove any excess fat or skin. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure that it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight in the fridge for a more intense flavor.
- Take a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover the chicken. Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to medium. Add the chicken, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. If you prefer a moist and tender chicken, you can use a steamer instead of boiling the chicken.
- Let the chicken cool down in the marinade liquid for about 30 minutes, so that it can absorb more flavor. Then, remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooled, slice it into bite-sized pieces and serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with green onions and cilantro.
One serving (300 grams) of Drunken Chicken contains the following nutritional values:
- calories: 724
- Fat: 44 grams
- Protein: 48 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
These values may vary depending on the cooking method and the specific ingredients used.
Tips for Serving Drunken Chicken
To make the most out of your Drunken Chicken experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients for better taste and texture.
- Adjust the amount of spices and herbs according to your taste preferences.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, as this helps in retaining the moisture and flavor.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
- Serve the chicken cold or at room temperature, garnished with green onions and cilantro.
The Perfect Side Dishes for Drunken Chicken
Drunken Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Some of the ideal side dishes that go well with this dish include:
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy
- Jasmine rice or fried rice
- Noodle soup or braised noodles
- Chinese dumplings or steamed buns
- Spicy cucumber salad or sesame soybean salad
You can experiment with different side dishes and create your own combinations depending on your preferences.
Variants of Drunken Chicken
Drunken Chicken is a dish that has many variations, depending on the region and the cooking style. Some of the popular variants of Drunken Chicken are:
- Sichuan-style Drunken Chicken, which is prepared using spicy Sichuan peppercorn and chili oil.
- Jiangxi-style Drunken Chicken, which is made using yellow rice wine and tender bamboo shoots.
- Mongolian Drunken Chicken, which is served hot and is made using vodka and hot chili oil.
- Taiwanese Drunken Chicken, which is cooked in a pressure cooker and is served with sticky rice and soy sauce.
These variants have their own unique taste and aroma, and can be a delightful experience for someone who loves experimenting with new flavors.
Is Drunken Chicken Healthy?
Drunken Chicken is a high-protein dish that is also rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium, which are all essential for maintaining a healthy body. However, since this dish contains high amounts of fat and salt, it should be consumed in moderation, especially if you are watching your calorie intake. To make this dish a bit healthier, you can use skinless chicken breasts instead of the whole chicken, and reduce the amount of salt and sugar in the marinade. You can also pair it with healthy side dishes like steamed vegetables or salad.
Alternative Ways to Prepare Drunken Chicken
Apart from the traditional boiling method, there are other ways to prepare Drunken Chicken that can give you a different taste and texture. Here are some of the variants of this dish that you can try:
- Bake the chicken in the oven for a crispy skin and a roasted flavor.
- Grill the chicken on charcoal or gas for a smoky flavor.
- Smoke the chicken using wood chips for a rich, intense flavor.
- Deep-fry the chicken for a crunchy texture and an indulgent taste.
These alternative methods can give you a new perspective on this classic dish and make it more exciting to prepare and serve.
Drunken Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic chicken dish that is known for its unique cooking method.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Drunken Chicken
What is drunken chicken?
Drunken chicken is a Chinese dish made by poaching a whole chicken in an aromatic broth of Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, ginger, and green onions. The chicken is then marinated in the broth overnight to infuse it with flavor and served cold as an appetizer or main dish.
How many calories are in drunken chicken?
A 1.5-pound serving of drunken chicken contains approximately 724 calories, making it a high-calorie dish. However, the exact calorie count may vary depending on the recipe and serving size.
Can I make drunken chicken with other types of alcohol?
While Shaoxing wine is traditionally used to make drunken chicken, you can use other types of alcohol such as Chinese rice wine, dry sherry or even white wine if you can't find Shaoxing wine. However, the flavor may not be quite the same.
Is drunken chicken gluten-free?
It depends on the ingredients used to make the dish. Some recipes call for soy sauce, which contains wheat and is not gluten-free. However, you can use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
How long can I store drunken chicken in the fridge?
Drunken chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within the recommended time frame to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.