Bian Gang Big Basin Chicken

Bian Gang Big Basin Chicken

　　Bian Gang Big Basin Chicken is a specialty dish from Bian Gang Town, Fugou County, Zhoukou City, Henan Province. The dish is made using local free-range chicken, cooked with chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, nutmeg, angelica, and cloves. It has a light yellow hue, tender and flavorful meat, and a rich, thick broth that is incredibly delicious—so much so that diners come in an endless stream.

　　The Big Basin Chicken of Bian Gang in Fugou has a long history. Legend has it that when Li Mi of Wagang Village stayed in Bian Gang, he loved eating chicken and often had his military chef prepare it served in a large basin—hence the name “Big Basin Chicken.” After Li Mi’s death, he was buried here, and the place was renamed “Bing Wang Gang” (Mourning King Hill). This military chef then opened a restaurant in the town to make a living, becoming famous for making Big Basin Chicken. Nowadays, there are several restaurants serving Big Basin Chicken along Bian Gang’s streets, most of which are run by descendants of that chef.