Songyang Braised Salt Chicken

Songyang Braised Salt Chicken

　　Braised Salt Chicken is a traditional signature dish of Songyang. Known for its benefits in dispelling dampness, improving qi circulation, nourishing kidneys, and promoting restful sleep, it is one of the popular main dishes served to guests in local households. The process involves air-drying a freshly cleaned and slaughtered free-range chicken in a shaded area for half a day to remove surface moisture. The chicken is then stuffed with wine and rubbed with salt before being seasoned with ingredients such as mushrooms, scallions, and ginger. It is wrapped in parchment paper and placed inside a clay pot, which is then filled and covered with hot fried coarse salt on all sides. The chicken is slow-cooked until tender, then sliced and served on a plate. The braised salt chicken features a golden color, crispy skin, tender meat, and fragrant, melt-in-the-mouth bones — a favorite among many.