This blog post contains a recipe for Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup.
Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup, also known as “Wu Gu Ji Tang” in Chinese cooking, is a special dish that combines tender Silkie chicken with medicinal herbs. This soup not only tastes great but is also really good for you. It’s especially perfect for fall and winter when you want something warm and comforting.
The Silkie chicken is known for its tender meat and unique flavour, setting it apart from regular chicken. When you add carefully chosen herbs, it turns into a soup that tastes good and makes you feel better.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this delicious and healthful Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup. You’ll learn to pick the best ingredients and cook it right. Whether you’re looking for a cozy soup on a chilly fall or winter day or want to enjoy the benefits of herbal food, this recipe will help you make a tasty and nourishing Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup that your taste buds and body will love.
I hope you will try my Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup recipe.
If you like more healthy Chinese Stew or soup recipe, don’t forget to check these out:
What ingredients do you need for this Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup recipe?
- 26g Astragalus membranaceus
- 32g dried pilose asiabell root
- 40g Dried Chinese Yam
- 40g Red Dates
- 12g Gordon Euryale Seed
- 20g Dried bulb of lily
- 10g Lotus seed
- 20g Longan
- 5g Goji Berry
- 20g Dried Fig
- 10g Sweet and Bitter Apricot kernels
- 2 dried Tangerine Peels – soaked in water
- 2.5L Water
What are the healthy benefits of Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup and why do Chinese drink soup?
Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup offers several health benefits, and drinking soup is a longstanding tradition in Chinese cuisine for various reasons:
Health Benefits of Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup:
- Boosts Immunity: The combination of Silkie chicken and medicinal herbs provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that can help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to illnesses.
- Nutrient-Rich: Silkie chicken is known for its tender meat and higher protein content than regular chicken. It’s also lower in fat, making it a healthier choice. The herbs in the soup contribute additional vitamins and minerals.
- Respiratory Health: Some herbs commonly used in this soup, such as astragalus and goji berries, are believed to support respiratory health, which is particularly important during the cold and flu season.
- Aids Digestion: Chinese herbal soups often include ingredients that can aid digestion, such as ginger and Chinese dates. This can help soothe the stomach and improve overall digestive health.
- Anti-Aging Properties: Certain herbs in the soup, like ginseng, are considered to have anti-aging properties and can help maintain youthful vitality.
- Stress Reduction: Enjoying a warm bowl of soup can be soothing and comforting, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Why Chinese Drink Soup:
- Cultural Tradition: Soup has been an integral part of Chinese cuisine for centuries. It’s deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is often considered a symbol of nourishment and care.
- Health Benefits: Many Chinese soups are made with medicinal herbs and ingredients carefully chosen for their health benefits. It’s believed that consuming these soups can help maintain and improve one’s well-being.
- Balancing Yin and Yang: Chinese traditional medicine is based on the concept of balancing yin and yang energies in the body. Certain soups are prepared with ingredients believed to have specific yin or yang properties, and consuming these soups is thought to help maintain this balance.
- Hydration: Soups are a hydrating and warming food choice, which can be especially comforting during cold weather. They also provide a source of liquid nourishment.
- Flavour and Variety: Chinese cuisine places a strong emphasis on flavour and variety. Soup is a versatile way to incorporate a wide range of ingredients, textures, and flavours into a meal.
In summary, Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup and other Chinese soups are not only delicious but also have a long history of being associated with health and well-being. They are enjoyed not just for their taste but also for their potential to promote good health and balance in the body. I hope you will try my Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup recipe.
What is a Silkie Chicken and why are we using it in this Shilkie Chicken Herbal Soup recipe?
Silkie chicken, also known as Silky chicken or Chinese silk chicken, is a unique and distinctive breed of chicken known for its unusual physical characteristics and potential health benefits. Here’s an overview of Silkie chickens and some of their associated health benefits:
Physical Characteristics of Silkie Chickens:
- Silky Plumage: Silkie chickens are named for their soft, fluffy feathers that have a silky texture. Unlike typical poultry feathers, their plumage lacks barbicels, which give them a unique appearance.
- Black or Blue Skin: One of the most striking features of Silkie chickens is their dark-coloured, sometimes bluish skin. This sets them apart from other chicken breeds with pale skin.
- Five Toes: Most chickens have four toes, but Silkie chickens have an extra toe on each foot, giving them a total of five toes.
- Bearded and Crested: Many Silkie chickens have a beard and a crest of feathers on their heads, further contributing to their distinct appearance.
Health Benefits Associated with Silkie Chicken:
- High-Quality Protein: Silkie chicken meat is considered a good source of high-quality protein. It’s often leaner and has a distinct flavour compared to regular chicken meat.
- Low in Fat: Silkie chicken meat tends to have lower fat content than some other chicken breeds, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.
- Rich in Nutrients: Silkie chicken meat contains essential nutrients like vitamins (B vitamins, particularly niacin), minerals (such as iron and phosphorus), and amino acids necessary for maintaining good health.
- Traditional Medicine: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Silkie chicken is highly regarded for its potential health benefits. It’s believed to help nourish the body, improve vitality, and support overall well-being.
- Soothing Properties: Some people use Silkie chicken in traditional soups and stews because of its perceived ability to provide comfort and soothe ailments, especially during illness or recovery periods.
- Collagen Content: Silkie chicken is also valued for its relatively high collagen content, which is essential for healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues.
- Stress Reduction: Silkie chicken soup is often consumed for its soothing and calming effects, which can be particularly beneficial during times of stress or when someone is feeling unwell.
It’s important to note that while Silkie chicken is associated with potential health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine and is regarded as a nutritious food source, scientific research on these specific health claims is limited. The benefits mentioned are based on historical and cultural use. If you’re interested in incorporating Silkie chicken into your diet, it’s essential to enjoy it as part of a balanced and varied diet for overall health and well-being. Additionally, it’s a good practice to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations.
I hope you will try my Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup recipe.
Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup: Warm Up Your Body
Equipment
- 1 Strainer
Ingredients
- 26 g Astragalus membranaceus
- 32 g dried pilose asiabell root
- 40 g Dried Chinese Yam
- 40 g Red Dates
- 12 g Gordon Euryale Seed
- 20 g Dried bulb of lily
- 10 g Lotus seed
- 20 g Longan
- 5 g Goji Berry
- 20 g Dried Fig
- 10 g Sweet and Bitter Apricot kernels
- 2 dried tangerine peel
- 2.5 L Water
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Boil silkie chicken for 5 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the chicken, then set it aside.
- Remove the seeds in the red dates.
- Rinse all dry ingredients under running water. Set it aside.
- Bring 2.5L water to a boil, add all the ingredients except dried peel and goji berries.
- Let it simmer for 2.5 hours.
- Add the water of tangerine peel to the soup, then scrape off the bitter white part inside the peel. Add the tangerine peel to the soup
- You may also cut the dried pilose asiabell root into smaller pieces.
- Let it cook for another 30 minutes.
- Serve when warm.
Video
Nutrition
I hope you will try my Silkie Chicken Herbal Soup recipe.
Don’t forget to check out my YouTube Tutorial.
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