Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup

Level: Easy Yield: 6 servings

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving
Calories 172 Total Fat 4 grams Saturated Fat 1 grams Cholesterol 103 milligrams Sodium 242 milligrams Carbohydrates 6 grams Dietary Fiber 1 grams Sugar 7 grams Protein 24 grams

Total: 2 hr 40 min Active: 20 min

Imagine cradling a warm bowl of this fragrant Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup, a timeless tonic that many families swear by for nurturing body and soul. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, it's packed with botanicals believed to fortify immunity, ease inflammation, and ward off coldsthink ginger's cozy warmth, ginseng's subtle edge, sweet red dates and goji berries for balance, and shiitake's umami punch. Silky black silkie chicken delivers intense flavor (grab one at Asian markets, or swap in a Cornish hen), turning simple simmering into a golden elixir that invites you to savor every restorative sip. Ready to brew wellness in your kitchen?

Ingredients

3 red dates (jujubes)
2 tablespoons goji berries
One 1-inch piece American ginseng root
2 small pieces dried tangerine peel
2 medium dried shiitake mushrooms, optional
One 1 1/2- to 2-pound black silkie chicken or Cornish hen
One 1-inch piece ginger, sliced into 4 coins
Kosher salt

Cook Mode: Keep screen awake

Instructions

Place the dates and goji berries in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak until the berries are plump, about 15 minutes (it's normal for the red dates to float). Drain and discard the soaking liquid. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, cover the ginseng root, dried tangerine peel, and dried shiitake mushrooms (if using) with warm water. Soak until softened, about 15 minutes. Drain, rinse to remove grit, and set aside. Scrape off excess pith from the tangerine peel's lighter side using a knife.
Add the ginseng, tangerine peel, mushrooms (if using), chicken, ginger, and 12 cups cold water to a 6-quart Dutch oven or stainless-steel pot. Cover and bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce to medium-low and gently simmer, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes. Skim off foam.
Uncover, add soaked dates and goji berries. Simmer uncovered until chicken is tender and soup is golden, about 2 hours.
Season with salt to taste. Pull chicken meat to enjoy in the soup or dip in soy sauce separately.