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This easy and authentic Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji) recipe is a must-try! It’s packed with comforting flavors, super simple to make, and ready in just 20 minutes. Be sure to check out my video guide and tips to make this dish turn out perfect every time!
Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken
Three Cup Chicken, or San Bei Ji (三杯鸡), is one of the most classic Taiwanese dishes. It’s a must-order for me whenever I visit a Taiwanese restaurant—I just can’t resist its bold and comforting flavors.
What I love about Taiwanese recipes is how unpretentious and homey they are. They’re humble dishes packed with flavor, and best of all, they’re easy to recreate at home. Another favorite of mine is Taiwanese Salt and Pepper Chicken—it’s so addictive!
Taiwanese cuisine has its roots in Chinese food, with unique local influences that make it special. Many of the dishes remind me of Chinese-Malaysian food. Both cuisines share ties to Fujian province in China, as many early immigrants settled in Taiwan, Malaysia, or Singapore, bringing along their traditions and flavors.
Why Is It Called Three Cup Chicken
The name comes from the three key ingredients that make this dish so special:
- Sesame oil
- Chinese rice wine
- Soy sauce
The “cups” refer to equal ratios, not literal measurements, which makes the recipe simple and approachable.
Authentic Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken isn’t complete without fresh basil leaves. They’re the heart of the dish, adding a fragrant, slightly minty aroma that takes the flavors to the next level.
Taiwanese cuisine also features other “three cup” recipes like Three Cup Squid (三杯小卷), tofu, mushrooms, or eggplant. Trust me, they’re all just as delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – I used boneless chicken drumsticks for convenience, but you can also opt for bone-in chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken breasts. If you choose bone-in, just cut them into smaller pieces while keeping the bone intact. Boneless chicken thighs also work really well.
- Baking soda
- Dark sesame oil (toasted sesame oil) – If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with regular sesame oil, but it won’t be as rich in flavor.
- Old ginger
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Dark sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) – If you don’t have sweet soy sauce or kecap manis, you may use 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce and add 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Shaoxing wine – f you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with dry sherry. But I highly recommend getting your hands on Shaoxing wine—it’s a staple in Chinese cooking.
- Thai basil leaves – If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil will work, but it just won’t have that signature peppery kick that makes the dish so special.
Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the details on each ingredient.
How To Make Three Cup Chicken
Alright, cut the chicken into pieces and rub them with a bit of baking soda. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it really well with water to make sure all the baking soda is gone. Pat the chicken dry and set it aside. This step is totally optional, but it helps tenderize the chicken a bit!
Heat up a clay pot on high and add the sesame oil. Toss in the ginger and garlic, and stir-fry until it smells amazing. Then, throw in the chicken and give it a quick stir a few times.
Now, add the soy sauce, dark sweet soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Keep stir-frying the chicken for a bit. Then, cover it with the lid, turn down the heat, and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
Throw in the basil leaves and give everything a good stir to mix it all in with the chicken. Then just dish it out and serve right away!
Secrets To Perfect Three Cup Chicken
- If you like crispy chicken, you can deep fry the chicken quickly until the outer part is golden and crispy, but the inside may not be fully cooked. Drain the oil using paper towels, then follow the remaining cooking steps.
- If you can get your hands on Shaoxing wine, do it! It’s what really makes this dish special. If you’re in a pinch, dry sherry works, but trust me, Shaoxing wine adds a depth that’s hard to beat.
- Thai basil is a must for that peppery kick, but if you can’t find it, regular basil will work in a pinch. Just know that it won’t quite have the same flavor profile—so grab the Thai basil if you can!
- Once the liquids are in, cover it and let it simmer low and slow. You want all that flavor to soak into the chicken, so no need to rush it. Keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
I love using a clay pot because it helps the heat stay even and keeps the chicken tender, plus it adds a nice earthy flavor. But if you don’t have one, no worries! A regular skillet or wok will work just fine. Just keep the heat steady and let it simmer, and you’ll be good to go!
If you’re in the mood for a more hands-off approach, you can totally make this recipe in a slow cooker! Just brown the chicken first to build some flavor, then throw in the rest of the ingredients. Set it to low and let it cook for 4-6 hours.
For leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to keep it longer? No problem—freeze it! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water to bring back that juicy flavor.
This recipe is only 308 calories per serving.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This dish is best served as a main entree, with steamed rice. For a wholesome Taiwanese meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Three Cup Chicken (三杯鸡)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) chicken drumsticks, chicken thighs or a combination of chicken parts
- 1 tablespoon baking soda , to tenderize the chicken, optional
- 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil , or toasted sesame oil
- 2- inch (5cm) old ginger, peeled and cut into thin pieces
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dark sweet soy sauce, kecap manis
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 bunch Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into pieces and rub them with baking soda. Set aside for 10 minutes before rinsing the chicken with water. Make sure the baking soda is completely rinsed off. Pat the chicken pieces dry and set aside. This step is optional.
- Heat a clay pot over high heat and add the sesame oil. Add the ginger and garlic, and stir-fry until aromatic. Add the chicken and stir quickly a few times.
- Add the soy sauce, dark sweet soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine, then continue stir-frying the chicken. Cover with the lid, lower the heat, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the basil leaves and stir well with the chicken. Dish out and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- If you like crispy chicken, you can deep fry the chicken quickly until the outer part is golden and crispy, but the inside may not be fully cooked. Drain the oil using paper towels, then follow the remaining cooking steps.
- If you can get your hands on Shaoxing wine, do it! It’s what really makes this dish special. If you’re in a pinch, dry sherry works, but trust me, Shaoxing wine adds a depth that’s hard to beat.
- Thai basil is a must for that peppery kick, but if you can’t find it, regular basil will work in a pinch. Just know that it won’t quite have the same flavor profile—so grab the Thai basil if you can!
- Once the liquids are in, cover it and let it simmer low and slow. You want all that flavor to soak into the chicken, so no need to rush it. Keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These were delicious. Very tender and great taste. Will definitely be making again
What brand of dark sesame oil or toasted sesame oil and kecap manis do you recommend? Which is better – dark sesame oil or toasted sesame oil?
Roasted sesame oil. Please check out all my ingredients recommendations: https://rasamalaysia.com/pantry-ingredients/
Why does the photo for Three Cup Chicken not look like it matches the recipe?
Yes the photo is the recipe.
trying to make this 3 cup chicken. Please provide a link to where to purchase clay pot. Thank you
Question- are you cutting the chicken and leaving the bone intact by using a cleaver, or are you cutting he chicken off of the bone.
Love your recipes!
Hi Victoria, I am using a cleaver. Thanks for your support. :)
Thank you!
hi
Can this be done in InstaPot?
Yes, it can!
Bee, thanks for the recipe. looking at the photo I was tempted to cook three cup chicken.. but It did not turn out as my expectation ?
I usually tenderise chicken or meat with corn starch. This time round I did it with baking soda for a change and I find using baking soda leaves some kinda taste to the chicken. I still prefer to do it with corn starch.
I didn’t get the taste I was looking for.. not sure if it’s due to baking soda or not enough basil leave or the sesame oil? I feel like I’m missing some ingredient….
Hi Mindy, if you taste the baking soda, it means they are not properly rinsed. You can use a bit less next time. You don’t want to use corn starch for this recipe. This is a very good recipe, if you follow everything precisely, it should taste good. You don’t have to use baking soda if you don’t want to.
Did you use baking powder (which you would normally use in plain flour for the rising effect) or baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) Mindy? There is a big difference. Carb soda can leave a sort of metallic taste on food if too much is used or it’s not rinsed off well.
Hi!
I love your website – and I have made many of the recipes that you have posted! I am wondering if you have any additional information about clay pots and where to purchase them online? Most of what I see is meant only to cook over low or medium heat – is that hot enough for this recipe? Also, does using a glazed or unglazed clay pot make a difference? How big should I get?
Thank you in advance!
Eileen
Can I use regular white wine ? Rice wine vinegar ? Not sure I have that particular wine you listed
You can skip the wine. Definitely not rice wine vinegar.
Cool! I’m looking forward to cooking this tonight. I’m a great fan. Thanks for your lovely recipes!