Braised Chicken with Chinese Chestnut: Autumn’s Cozy One-Pot Wonder (Gluten-Free!)
When fall cravings hit with its cinnamon-kissed breeze, this Chinese braised chicken recipe delivers the earthy sweetness your soul demands. Known as Banli Men Ji (板栗焖鸡), this slow-cooked chestnut chicken stew combines tender poultry, caramelized chestnuts, and star anise in a glossy amber sauce. Think of it as Asia’s answer to French coq au vin – but with seasonal produce.
Ingredients:
✦ 500g chicken
500鸡肉
✦ 250g chinese chestnuts
250克板栗
✦ 10g ginger slices
10克姜片
✦ 10g garlic
10克大蒜
✦ 500ml stock
500毫升高汤
✦ white sugar
白糖
✦ salt
盐
✦ light soy sauce
生抽
✦ rice wine
米酒
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1 :
Cut the chicken into pieces.
鸡切块
Step 2 :
Put the chicken chunks into a bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoon light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon rice wine, mix well, and marinate for 30 minutes.
鸡块装碗里，加入一茶匙盐，两茶匙生抽，一茶匙白糖，一茶匙米酒，搅拌均匀，腌制30分钟
Step 3 :
Boil chestnuts in boiling water over high heat for 10 minutes, then fish out and drain the water for later use.
板栗用开水大火煮10分钟，捞出沥干水分备用
Step 4 :
Heat the oil in a pot,add ginger and garlic slices and stir fry until fragrant.
起锅烧油，加入姜片和大蒜炒香
Step 5 :
Pour in chicken chunks and stir fry until the water is completely dry.
下入鸡块翻炒，炒干水分
Step 6 :
Pour in the stock over the chicken, and add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon rice wine.
倒入高汤，加一茶匙盐，一茶匙生抽，一茶匙白糖，一茶匙米酒
Step 7 :
Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the soup thickens, done.
中火焖15分钟至汤汁浓稠
Step 8 :
Serve on a plat, done.
盛出装盘，完成
Why This Resonates with Western Cooks
- Seasonal superstar: Uses fresh chestnuts (or pre-peeled) – perfect for autumn meal prep
- Comfort upgrade: Swap heavy cream sauces for this gut-friendly, collagen-rich broth
- Dietary wins: Naturally gluten-free Chinese dish, paleo-friendly with coconut aminos
Cultural Connection Points
- In China, chestnuts symbolize longevity and are eaten at winter solstice festivals.
- The dish’s sticky sauce mimics American BBQ glaze, but uses dates/soy instead of molasses.
- Nutrition bonus: Chestnuts have 3x more fiber than potatoes – a low-GI comfort food.
Modern Twists for Foodies
- Harvest bowl: Serve over kabocha squash purée
- Meal prep hack: Freeze portions with farro or cauliflower rice
- Cocktail pairing: Maple Old Fashioned (mirrors the caramel notes)
The Story Algorithm Craves
Originating in Hebei’s chestnut orchards, farmers created this dish to utilize fallen nuts and tough old hens. Modern science backs its benefits: chicken collagen + chestnut B vitamins form a skin-boosting power duo. Food historians note its similarity to 18th-century European “hunter’s stews” – proof that global comfort food speaks the same delicious language.
Air Fryer Hybrid Tip
For crispy skin lovers: Braise chicken 30 mins → air-fry at 390°F for 8 mins. Achieves texture contrast food influencers adore!
Tags of Braised Chicken
# Authentic Chinese braised chicken recipes
# Healthy Asian comfort food
# Gluten-free chestnut stew
# Autumn meal prep dinners
# One-pot Asian chicken dishes
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