This traditional Taiwanese three cup chicken is a family favorite and easy to make at home. Juicy chicken is cooked in soy sauce, smashed garlic, and more!
In a large skillet over medium high heat up 2 1/2 tbsp. of sesame oil until glistening. Add the garlic and ginger into the skillet and cook until the edges of the ginger slices are slightly browned and golden. About 7 minutes. You'll need to keep tossing the garlic and ginger so they don't burn.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the skillet then add the soy sauce, cooking wine, water, and basil leaves. Gently toss to coat then turn the heat to medium low and cover skillet and let look for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, turn the chicken so the other sides of the chicken can cook in the sauce. You'll want to keep turning the chicken every 10 minutes until the meat turns a dark brown. This took me about 35-40 minutes to cook to achieve the desired color.
Serve over rice.
Notes
Pour the extra sauce over rice and chicken. It's so good!!
Dark soy sauce has more in-depth flavor than regular soy sauce. It's also saltier. If you can't find dark soy sauce (different than regular soy sauce) at the store, it's perfectly fine to use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
To store. Transfer any leftover three cup chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat. It can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet set over medium heat.