Zengcheng Silky Chicken Rice

Zengcheng Silky Chicken Rice

　　Anyone who has been to Zengcheng is familiar with Zengcheng Chicken Rice. Even if you haven’t tried it, just seeing the numerous chicken rice stalls lining the roadsides of Zhucun leaves a deep impression. Zengcheng Silky Rice enjoys international renown, and the Silky Rice from Danqiu Dagang Village in Zhucun is even one of the “Four Treasures of Zengcheng.” The chicken rice cooked with the best rice and the best chicken in Zengcheng is something locals proudly claim to be the best rice in the world.

　　The key to making great Zengcheng Chicken Rice lies in selecting premium-quality rice. The grains should be slender, free of belly white, heart white, or back white; the color should be clear and glassy; the grains should be uniform, neat, and aesthetically pleasing; and the oiliness should be distinct—only then can it be called high-quality rice. As for the secret to cooking the chicken rice, it’s all about parboiling the rice until it’s about 60–70% cooked, then placing the marinated chicken on top of the rice to steam together. Be sure to place the chicken on top, not mixed into the rice. This way, during steaming, the distinctive aroma of the chicken seeps into the rice, while the unique fragrance of the Silky Rice infuses into the chicken meat. The two flavors blend perfectly, complementing each other. Just before serving, seasonings are added—the rice is mixed with soy sauce and chopped scallions—resulting in chicken rice that leaves a lingering aroma in your mouth and is truly unforgettable.

　　Although hailed as “the best rice in the world,” Zengcheng Chicken Rice is actually very affordable. The rice is served per person, and about one chicken is shared among five or six people, bringing the cost down to just over ten yuan per person. The rice is parboiled to about 60–70% doneness, then the marinated chicken is placed on top to steam together. This allows the aroma of the chicken to infuse into the rice, while the unique fragrance of the Silky Rice seeps into the chicken—blending their aromas in perfect harmony.