Dezhou braised chicken

Dezhou Braised Chicken

Dezhou Braised Chicken is a famous Chinese dish that originated in Dezhou, a city in the Shandong province of China. It is known for its tender and flavorful chicken, cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce. This article will provide a detailed recipe for preparing Dezhou Braised Chicken, along with some interesting facts about its history and cultural significance.

History

Dezhou Braised Chicken has a long history that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was originally created by a chef named Wang Zhihe, who served as the imperial chef in the Dezhou region. The dish quickly gained popularity among the imperial court and eventually spread to the general population.

Ingredients

To prepare Dezhou Braised Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (around 1.5 kg)
• 100g ginger, sliced
• 50g scallions, chopped
• 100ml Shaoxing wine
• 100ml soy sauce
• 50ml dark soy sauce
• 50g rock sugar
• 500ml chicken broth
• 2 star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 5 cloves
• Salt, to taste

Preparation

1. Clean the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel. 2. In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the ginger and scallions until fragrant. 3. Add the chicken to the pot and brown it on all sides. 4. Pour in the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and chicken broth. 5. Add the rock sugar, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. 6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender. 7. Season with salt to taste.

Serving

Dezhou Braised Chicken is traditionally served with steamed rice or noodles. The chicken is usually cut into small pieces and arranged on a platter, with the sauce poured over the top. It is often garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Cultural Significance

Dezhou Braised Chicken is not only a delicious dish but also holds cultural significance in the Shandong province. It is often served during important occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and festivals. The dish is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who consume it.

See Also

• Chinese cuisine
• Shandong cuisine