At the table
Pick up individual pieces and separate the meat from the bones. Let hot meat and sauce cool before eating.
Usually served bone-in. Contains soy sauce and usually sesame oil; soy sauce may contain wheat. Rice wine is used, so do not assume the finished dish is alcohol-free.
Chili heat 0 is an editorial judgment for this sweet rice wine, sesame oil and soy sauce version. Recipes vary; some replace the oil with water. Ask the shop about additions.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Water can replace the cup of oil.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet and savory
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender meat.
- How it’s made
- Braise chopped chicken in an earthenware pot with sweet rice wine, sesame oil and soy sauce.
Water can replace the cup of oil.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Jiangxi.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有宁都三杯鸡吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Three cups for a welcoming table
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
In Ningdu, chicken is a familiar centerpiece when welcoming guests. The three cups refer to sweet rice wine, sesame oil and soy sauce. Chopped chicken is brought to a boil in an earthenware pot, then gently braised until the sauce reduces to a reddish-brown glaze. Some cooks replace the oil with water. The name describes a cooking tradition, not a fixed serving size.