Name: Black Chicken with Dong Quai Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 whole Whole Black Chicken (Silkie); 15 g Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) slices; 6 pieces Dried Red Dates (Jujubes), pitted; 1 tbsp Goji Berries; 3 slices Fresh Ginger; 1 tbsp Shaoxing Rice Wine; 6 cups Water; 1 tsp Salt

Soups & Stews

Black Chicken with Dong Quai Soup

This soul-warming traditional Chinese medicinal soup features tender Silkie black chicken simmered with aromatic Dong Quai and sweet red dates. Celebrated for its blood-nourishing properties, this earthy, fragrant broth is both a restorative tonic and a culinary delight for wellness.

Prep

20m

Cook

90m

Serves

Calories

285kcal

Qty	Ingredient
1 whole 800 g	Whole Black Chicken (Silkie)
15 g 15 g	Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) slices
6 pieces 30 g	Dried Red Dates (Jujubes), pitted
1 tbsp 10 g	Goji Berries
3 slices 15 g	Fresh Ginger
1 tbsp 15 ml	Shaoxing Rice Wine
6 cups 1.5 l	Water
1 tsp 5 g	Salt

2 Method

Step 1. Rinse the black chicken and cut it into quarters or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2. Blanch the chicken in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes to remove impurities and blood. Drain and rinse the chicken pieces with cold water.

Step 3. Rinse the Dong Quai slices and red dates under cold running water to remove any dust.

Step 4. In a large soup pot or ceramic slow cooker, combine the blanched chicken, ginger slices, Dong Quai, and red dates.

Step 5. Pour in the water and Shaoxing rice wine. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 90 minutes. The broth should be dark and fragrant.

Step 7. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the goji berries.

Step 8. Season with salt to taste and serve hot in individual bowls.

·
Blanching the chicken is essential for a clear, clean-tasting broth without a 'gamey' smell.
·
Use a ceramic pot or a clay pot if possible, as it retains heat more evenly and is traditional for herbal soups.
·
Do not add too much Dong Quai, as its flavor is very strong and can become bitter if used in excess.
·
For a sweeter broth, you can add 2-3 pieces of dried longan.

? FAQ

Can I use regular chicken instead of black chicken?

Yes, you can use regular chicken, but black chicken (Silkie) is traditionally used because it is believed to have higher nutritional and medicinal value in TCM.

Is Dong Quai safe for everyone?

Dong Quai is a powerful herb. It is generally recommended to avoid it during pregnancy or during heavy menstrual cycles. Consult a professional if you have concerns.

Where can I buy these Chinese herbs?

Dong Quai, red dates, and goji berries are readily available at Asian grocery stores or traditional Chinese herbal medicine shops.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Follow the same prep steps and set your slow cooker to 'Low' for 4-6 hours or 'High' for 3 hours.