Ingredients
Taiwanese-Style Braised Chicken with Basil, Garlic, and Sesame Oil
Three-Cup Chicken is a classic Taiwanese-style dish known for its rich aroma, savory flavor, and comforting home-style character.
Tender pieces of chicken are gently braised with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and fresh basil until the sauce becomes glossy and flavorful.
The combination of savory sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and fresh basil makes this dish especially satisfying when served as part of a family-style Chinese meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Fresh Garlic
- Ginger
- Fresh Basil
- Sesame Oil
- Soy Sauce
- Cooking Wine
- Green Onion
- Sugar
- Cooking Oil
What Makes This Dish Special
Rich and Aromatic Flavor
Three-Cup Chicken is known for its deep aroma. Garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and basil come together to create a warm and savory flavor.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is one of the signature ingredients in this dish. It is added near the end of cooking so its fragrance stays fresh and noticeable.
Tender Braised Chicken
The chicken is gently cooked in the sauce until tender and well seasoned, allowing it to absorb the flavors without becoming dry.
Comforting Family-Style Cooking
Three-Cup Chicken is a wonderful choice for a shared Chinese meal. Its rich flavor pairs especially well with lighter vegetables, cold dishes, and steamed rice.
Cooking Notes
The chicken is first cooked with garlic and ginger to build a fragrant base.
Soy sauce, sesame oil, cooking wine, and a small amount of sugar are then added to create the signature savory sauce.
The chicken is gently braised until tender and the sauce reduces slightly, coating each piece with flavor.
Fresh basil is added toward the end so it keeps its aroma and gives the finished dish its distinctive fragrance.
Serving Suggestions
Three-Cup Chicken pairs especially well with:
- Steamed Rice
- Garlic Green Beans
- Stir-Fried Snow Peas
- Broccoli and Mushrooms
- Napa Cabbage Salad
- Vegetable Fried Rice
Its rich and aromatic flavor makes it a strong centerpiece for a balanced family-style menu.
Amy’s Kitchen Tip
The key to Three-Cup Chicken is balancing the sauce and adding the basil at the right time.
The sauce should be rich and flavorful without becoming overly salty, while the basil should be added near the end so its fresh aroma is not lost during cooking.
Garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and fresh basil are what give this simple home-style dish its distinctive character.
At Amy’s Private Kitchen, Three-Cup Chicken can be served as part of a customized family-style dinner, private dining menu, or special event menu in Los Angeles.