Sticky Three Cup Chicken with Fragrant Basil, Garlic Choy Sum & Steamed Jasmine Rice (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

Chinese home cooking brings together deeply savory flavors, fragrant herbs, and simple ingredients prepared with care. This meal celebrates that comforting combination, pairing basil-scented chicken with tender garlic choy sum and steamed jasmine rice. It is made in honor of my friends Julie and Lin, who brought Three Cup Chicken to my attention and inspired me to share it at Ragna’s Table.

At the center is Sticky Three Cup Chicken, a dish with roots in China known as san bei ji. Its name refers to the three ingredients at the heart of its sauce: sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine. Chicken thighs simmer with generous amounts of garlic and fresh ginger until tender, while the sauce reduces to a glossy, savory glaze with a gentle touch of sweetness. Fresh basil is folded in at the end, adding a fragrant, slightly peppery finish that complements the richness of the chicken.

Alongside is Garlic Choy Sum, a leafy green vegetable with tender stems and a delicate, mildly bitter flavor. Quickly stir-fried with garlic and finished with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, its leaves soften while the stems retain a pleasant bite. The sesame oil adds a warm, nutty fragrance, while the fresh, gently earthy greens provide a lovely balance to the deeply seasoned chicken.

Steamed Jasmine Rice completes the plate, offering a soft texture and delicate fragrance. The tender grains soak up the glossy sauce, bringing the flavors of garlic, ginger, and basil into each bite without overwhelming the freshness of the greens.

The meal also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Chicken provides protein to support muscle maintenance and repair, along with B vitamins that help the body use energy from food. Choy sum contributes fiber for digestive health, vitamin C to support normal immune function, and vitamin K, which plays a role in normal blood clotting and bone health. Jasmine rice supplies carbohydrates for energy, while sesame oil contributes unsaturated fats. Garlic, ginger, and basil add aromatic depth, bringing plenty of flavor without the need for cream or butter.

Made with care and inspired by Julie and Lin’s introduction to this dish, this meal brings together the richness of glazed chicken, the fragrance of fresh basil, the gentle bite of garlicky greens, and the comfort of steamed rice. It is a warm, generous meal that I’m delighted to share at Ragna’s Table.

I can’t wait to cook this for you!