Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dish that bursts with savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors all at once, then you’re going to fall head over heels for Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken. This classic Taiwanese recipe is an absolute stunner, marrying tender chunks of chicken with a deeply fragrant sauce made from sesame oil, soy sauces, and a hint of Shaoxing wine—all topped off with fresh Thai basil. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of rich, sticky glaze and gently spicy notes, making it a must-make whenever you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with something truly special from home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s building that luscious sauce, infusing the chicken with bold fragrance, or adding pops of heat and herbal brightness. You don’t need a hundred spices here—just a handful of well-chosen components that work in perfect harmony.

• Boneless chicken thighs (450g): Richer and juicier than breast meat, thighs soak up the sauce beautifully without drying out during cooking.
• Sesame oil (1½ tbsp): This fragrant oil is the foundation of the dish, giving a toasty, nutty depth that defines Three Cup Chicken.
• Ginger slices (4 slices): Fresh and zingy, ginger cuts through the richness and adds a warm spice kick.
• Garlic cloves (8–10, sliced): Essential for aroma and flavor, garlic becomes sweet and mellow when quickly fried.
• Thai chilis (4): These bring a vibrant heat that enlivens every mouthful without overwhelming the dish.
• Shaoxing wine (2 tbsp): This Chinese cooking wine adds subtle complexity and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Dark soy sauce (2 tsp): Provides savory, umami richness along with dark color.
• Light soy sauce (1 tbsp): Adds saltiness while keeping the sauce balanced and not too heavy.
• Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Sweetens the sauce to create that signature sticky glaze.
• MSG (½ tsp): Optional, but it amplifies umami flavor for that addictive taste.
• Thai basil leaves (½ cup): The fresh herbal finish that makes the dish sing with its unique anise-like fragrance.

How to Make Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the sauce mixture

Start by mixing the Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, brown sugar, and MSG in a small bowl. This simple blend will become the rich, glossy sauce that coats the chicken and brings all the flavors together.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

Heat the sesame oil over high heat until shimmering, then add the ginger slices, garlic, and Thai chilis. Stir-fry these until you can smell their intoxicating fragrance filling your kitchen—this step is key to unlocking the dish’s aromatic layers.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Add the chicken thigh pieces to the pan. Let them brown gently, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes so they get a nice color but stay tender inside. This initial searing seals in juices and builds flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with sauce

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat everything evenly. Then cover the pan and turn the heat down to medium, letting it simmer for 15–20 minutes. This slow cooking thickens the sauce to a rich, shiny glaze that clings to the chicken perfectly.

Step 5: Add fresh Thai basil

Once the sauce has thickened, toss in the Thai basil leaves and stir-fry for another minute. The aroma from the basil infuses the dish with a fresh, slightly sweet herbal note that’s signature to Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken.

How to Serve Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken

Garnishes

Keep it simple and let the dish shine—sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a few extra fresh basil leaves on top just before serving. These little touches add texture and a beautiful pop of color that makes it even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or short-grain rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce effortlessly. For a balanced meal, try serving it alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or garlic broccoli, which add freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner, serve the chicken right in the pan or claypot to keep it warm and rustic. Alternatively, for a party or family-style meal, plate it over a bed of steamed rice and scatter sliced scallions on top. The contrasting textures and vibrant colors will grab everyone’s attention and make digging in irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer any leftover Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days without losing its wonderful flavor or texture, making it great for a quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to maintain the delicate flavors and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps keep the chicken moist and the sauce glossy as if freshly made.

FAQs

What cuts of chicken work best for Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken?

Boneless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender during cooking. You can use bone-in thighs or even drumsticks, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I make Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the number of Thai chilis or remove them altogether if you prefer the garlic and basil flavors to shine without the heat.

Is there a vegetarian version of Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken?

While the traditional recipe features chicken, you can substitute it with firm tofu or eggplant. Just make sure to press the tofu well or cook the eggplant until tender so it absorbs the sauce beautifully.

What’s the significance of the name “Three Cup”?

The name comes from the original recipe using equal parts of three key ingredients: sesame oil, rice wine (or Shaoxing wine), and soy sauce. This balanced trio creates the signature flavorful sauce.

Do I have to use MSG in the recipe?

MSG is optional. It’s used to amplify umami flavors, but the dish is delicious without it if you prefer to avoid it or don’t have it on hand.

Final Thoughts

Trying Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken at home is like giving your taste buds a ticket to Taiwan—full of warmth, bold flavor, and comforting familiarity. It’s impressively simple to make yet luxurious enough to feel like a special treat any night of the week. So gather those few essential ingredients, heat up your pan, and dive into this delightful dish that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.