Dendrobium & American Ginseng Silkie Chicken Soup Recipe

Dendrobium & American Ginseng Silkie Chicken Soup Recipe (4 servings)

Prep Time
20 minutes (plus soaking time)

Cook Time
2 – 2.5 hours

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 whole silkie chicken (about 1–1.2 kg), cleaned and cut into large pieces
• 10–15 g dendrobium (shi hu), rinsed
• 10–15 g American ginseng slices (xi yang shen)
• 10–12 dried longan fruits, rinsed
• 6–8 red dates (jujubes), pitted
• 6–8 cups water
• Optional Add-ins
• 2–3 slices ginger
• A small pinch of salt (to taste)

Preparation

1. Soak the Herbs

• Soak dendrobium in water for 20–30 minutes until softened.
• Rinse all herbs thoroughly to remove any impurities.

2. Blanch the Chicken

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Add the silkie chicken pieces and blanch for 3–5 minutes to remove impurities.
• Drain and rinse under warm water.

Cooking Instructions

3. Simmer the Soup

In a large soup pot, add:

• Blanched chicken
• Dendrobium
• American ginseng
• Dried longan
• Red dates
• Ginger (if using)
• Pour in 6–8 cups of fresh water.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4. Slow Cook

• Once boiling, reduce to low heat.
• Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours.

5. Final Seasoning

• Skim off any excess oil from the surface.
• Add a small pinch of salt to taste (optional).

Effects/Benefits

Main Ingredients

Silkie Chicken: Rich in carnosine and essential amino acids, it acts as an antioxidant and traditionally tonifies Qi and blood to relieve fatigue (J. Agric. Food Chem., 2008 / Chin. Med., 2014).

Dendrobium (Shi Hu): Contains active polysaccharides that regulate immunity, protect the gastric mucosa, and nourish Yin to relieve dry throat and internal heat (PMC9507758 / PMC8377736).

American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen): Rich in ginsenosides that function as an adaptogen to lower blood glucose, enhance working memory, and reduce stress-induced fatigue (Arch. Intern Med., 2000 / PMC6567205).

Dried Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou): High in polyphenols and adenosine, it exhibits neuroprotective and anti-insomnia properties while traditionally nourishing the heart and spleen (Molecules, 2012 / J. Ethnopharmacol., 2014).

Red Dates (Jujubes / Hong Zao): Packed with vitamin C, cyclic AMP, and triterpenic acids, they enhance immune responses, protect the liver, and replenish vital energy (Food Funct., 2017 / PMC4964539).

Water: Essential for cellular hydration, nutrient transport, and extracting the water-soluble bioactive compounds from the herbs during the long decoction process (Nutrients, 2010).

Optional Add-ins

Ginger: Contains gingerols and shogaols that offer powerful anti-inflammatory, digestive, and nausea-reducing properties while warming the stomach (Nutrients, 2020 / PMC3665023).

Salt: Provides essential sodium and chloride ions to maintain proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function (Nutrients, 2021 / WHO guidelines).