Chestnut Braised Chicken

Chestnut Braised Chicken

　　Chestnut Braised Chicken mainly consists of bone-in chicken and chestnuts. This dish is known for its benefits to the spleen and stomach, strengthening bones and tendons, and helping to stop diarrhea. It is suitable for general consumption, especially beneficial for the elderly, the sick, and those in weak health.

　　Ingredients

　　750g bone-in chicken, 150g chestnuts, about 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 6 cups broth, appropriate amounts of cornstarch, pepper, and sesame oil.

　　Preparation Steps

　　1. Remove coarse bones from the chicken and cut it into 3cm cubes. Wash and drain the chestnuts. Cut scallions into 3cm segments. Slice ginger into 1cm-thick pieces, about 1cm wide.

　　2. Heat oil in a wok until about 60% hot, then fry the chestnuts until golden brown. Drain and set aside using a strainer.

　　3. Reheat the wok until about 80% hot. Add the chicken cubes and stir-fry until the moisture evaporates. Add Shaoxing wine, then ginger slices, salt, soy sauce, and broth. Simmer for about 3 minutes.

　　4. Place a clay pot on the heat, lined with bamboo mesh. Pour the chicken and broth from the wok into the pot. Simmer over low heat until 80% cooked, then add the fried chestnuts. Continue simmering until tender. Transfer back to the wok, add MSG and scallion segments, sprinkle with pepper, bring to a boil, thicken with cornstarch water, and drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

　　Nutritional Value

　　Chicken has tender meat and a delicious taste. Due to its mild flavor, it can be used in a variety of dishes. Chicken is rich in protein and is considered one of the highest-protein meats, making it a high-protein, low-fat food. It also contains abundant potassium and sulfur-containing amino acids, which can make up for deficiencies found in beef and pork. Additionally, chicken has more vitamin A than other meats, and although it is lower in quantity compared to vegetables or liver, its vitamin A content is much higher than that of beef and pork.

　　Chestnuts are not only high in starch but also contain protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. Known as the “King of Dried Fruits,” chestnuts can serve as a grain substitute and are grouped with dates and persimmons as “iron crops” or “woody grains.” They are an affordable, nutritious tonic and nourishing dish.