Chicken With Dried Chestnuts
A savory Chinese-inspired chicken dish with tender chestnuts, mushrooms, and flavorful ginger, perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
- 7 to 8 oz dried chestnuts ⓘ
- 10 chicken legs or thighs ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp light soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp ginger minced ⓘ
- 3 to 6 green onions chopped ⓘ
- pinch salt ⓘ
- pinch white pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp peanut oil ⓘ
- 2 c chicken stock ⓘ
- 5 to 6 dried mushrooms
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp water ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak dried chestnuts in several changes of water for 16 to 24 hours.
- Mix chicken, light soy sauce, sherry, ginger, chopped onions, salt, and white pepper. Allow to marinate for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Drain the soaked chestnuts and set aside.
- Soak dried mushrooms in hot water for 1 hour.
- Brown chicken in peanut oil, a few pieces at a time, so that they brown rather than stew.
- Put the browned chicken, soaked chestnuts, marinade, chicken stock, and soaked mushrooms in a stovetop casserole.
- Cover and simmer until chestnuts are tender.
- Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Garnish with sesame oil and chopped green onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the dried chestnuts and mushrooms thoroughly; this enhances their texture and flavor. If you can't find dried chestnuts, fresh or canned ones can be used, but adjust cooking times accordingly. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce to the marinade. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a perfect addition to your collection of Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and chestnuts over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside Yuki'S Fried Rice for a complete meal. Garnish with additional chopped green onions for a fresh touch. This dish also pairs nicely with a light side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to maintain the chicken's tenderness and the chestnuts' texture. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Dried Chestnuts contains roughly 1541 calories, with 10g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 143g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of legs or thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be aware that they may cook faster and could become dry. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy and tender.
What if I can't find dried mushrooms?
If dried mushrooms are unavailable, you can use fresh mushrooms instead. Just slice them and add them directly to the casserole without soaking. They will add a delicious flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, giving you an even tastier meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).