杏汁燉竹絲雞湯 Chinese Almonds Silkie Chicken Soup is a delicious and popular skin care elixir. This simple TCM soup enhances the body's immunity, nourishing the five internal organs and moisturizing the skin. Find energy by balancing your hormones and nourishing from within with holistic healing in a bowl of sweet almond chicken broth the whole family enjoys.
Silkie Chicken is one of my favourite Asian chickens. The skin of the chicken is purple, black and shiny, and it has the Chinese TCM therapeutic of nourishing the five internal organs. Chinese Almonds moisturize the lungs and skin from within.
After perfecting these Silkie chicken recipes like Silkie Chicken with Cordyceps and Fish Maw Soup,
making this skin-moisturizing beauty soup with apricot kernels was on my mind!
After all, this kid-friendly black chicken soup is an absolute favourite mom's recipe every Cantonese family makes during Autumn and Winter! I could quickly drink 3 large bowls of this Chinese herbal soup to boost my immune system to avoid the flu season!
This traditional soup can be made anytime, not just during special occasions like Chinese New Year!
Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!
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> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Chinese Silkie Chicken Soup with Almond Juice
Ingredients and Substitutes
For many Cantonese enthusiasts, stewed beauty nutritious soup 滋補養顏靓湯 is the epitome essence of harmony and nourishment meals in soup form.
This Chinese chicken soup uses just 4 simple ingredients filled with natural sweetness and Traditional Chinese Medicine health benefits. It is a simple soup to make!
Silkie Chicken 竹絲雞, Zhúsī jī / 烏雞, Wūjī
- What are a Silkie, Chinese Silk Chicken or Silky chicken? It is a plumage with white silk and satin feathers but with black skin, black meat and bones! This breed of chicken does not have black feathers.
Like squab, silky chickens contain high nutritional value, low-fat, and many essential amino acids.
Chinese people value Silkie for their tonic properties. This type of chicken is especially nourishing for those recovering from illness, surgery or postpartum confinement, similar to Black Vinegar Pig Trotter Ginger Stew!
I'm a firm believer that Sikly chicken can alleviate the human deficiency of Qi and blood. Silkie chicken is good for the liver and kidney; skin cells' vitality improves memory, reduces blood pressure, and improves skin elasticity and longevity.
Its amino acids and arginine can promote protein synthesis and accelerate wound healing. It is recommended especially for women, post menstrual cycle, postpartum and after a miscarriage.
Chinese medicine postpartum is excellent for the confinement period.
If you like Silkie Chickens, then you will also enjoy this Silkie Chicken Soup with Red Dates, Goji Berries, Longans and Chinese Yams 紅棗杞子煲竹絲雞湯.
补血活血是烏雞汤的重要功效。温中健脾、延缓衰老、补钙壮骨、 滋补。
Pork Shank or Pork Tenderloin 豬展, zhūzhǎn / 瘦肉, shòuròu
Why Do You Add Pork To Chinese Soups? Pork shanks and pork tenderloin adds depth and sweetness to your chicken stock.
In Chinese culture, adding pork shank helps elevate the soup's sweetness. Some people add pork ribs, pork bones, and pork shank to make the broth richer.
We prefer lean meat to reduce fatty oils in the soup. Leam meat in Chinese medicine helps reduce inflammation and fire, nourishes yin, clears the stomach and promotes body fluid, and contains protein, fat, sugar, niacin and vitamins A and Vitamins B.
瘦肉湯清除、益陰之湯品。功能降火滋陰、清胃生津，含有蛋白質、脂肪、醣類、菸酸和維生素。
Chinese Almonds (Apricot Kernels) 南杏北杏,Nánxìng Běixìng -
南北杏 Apricot kernel reduces phlegm, moistens the lungs and relieves cough and asthma. South Apricot Kernels are sweet. North Apricot Kernels has a slightly bitter flavor.
Sweet almonds need to be consumed in moderation. Chinese sweet almonds are mildly toxic and should be consumed in moderation. Overconsumption can easily lead to poisoning if ingested on unprepared ones with skin.
Refrain from overcooking Chinese almonds, as their efficacy will change. Instead of nourishing the lungs, they will have a laxative effect.
Most Chinese herbalist or Asian supermarket sells Chinese almonds pre-mixed with their golden ratio of 3:1 South to North Apricot Kernels. You can also purchase Sweet (South) Apricot Kernels or Bitter (North) Apricot Kernels separately.
南北杏润肺止咳、潤燥消積。杏仁食用要适量，过量容易导致中毒。南杏仁甜，北杏仁有毒。
Fresh Ginger 薑, jiāng -
Fresh ginger is the ultimate spleen and stomach elixir that relieves pain, eliminates wind, and strengthens the immune system. Ginger is used in many traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions because of its curative effect and other medicinal materials.
Freshly harvested ginger can sweat and relieve the surface, warm the middle to relieve vomiting, warm the lungs and relieve cough, promote the secretion of digestive juice, anti-inflammation and swelling, sterilize, and improve the function of the motor center, respiratory center and heart.
生薑，脾胃聖藥，可以鎮痛、袪風、健胃。 發汗解表，溫中止嘔，溫肺止咳，可促進消化液分泌、抗炎消腫、殺菌，提升運動中樞、呼吸中樞與心臟功能。
Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local Asian supermarket or grocery stores or Amazon Online.
Instructions
Soak the herbs for 20 minutes in a small bowl to remove traces of impurities. This will help remove dust and debris. Rinse and set aside in a small bowl.
Chinese Almond Juice
Wash and drain Chinese almonds.
Soak Chinese Almonds for an hour.
Add Chinese Almonds and 2 cups of drinking cold water to Vitamix blender. Blend for 30 seconds or until smooth.
Strain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Add Chinese almonds pulp to a reusable cotton soup bag.
Alternatively, you can cold press almond milk in a juicer like this Hurom slow juicer!
Silkie Chicken Soup
First, wash the pork ribs, pork shank or tenderloin with cold water and pat dry with a kitchen paper towel. No need to cut the pork ribs into small pieces unless your pot is not big enough.
Parboil the pork ribs in a medium pot to remove the impurities. Rinse with cold water. Set aside.
You can purchase whole Silkie Chicken at your local Asian supermarket, fresh or frozen. Remember to wash and remove the inners, especially the lungs, head and tail. If there are any leftover feathers, pluck those too!
You may also remove the skin for a healthier option with less oil. However, it is not necessary. The flesh is lean and not fatty.
Add the whole chicken, pork shank and ginger slices into a large pot not made of stainless steel like this Perfect Pot or a Buydeem Health Beverage Maker. Although not all Chinese herbs react with metal, it is best not to use a metal pot when making Chinese medicinal herbal soups.
Fill the pot with enough water to cover to make the soup stock. We used approximately 4 litres of cold water.
Boil at high heat for 30 minutes, then reduce to low heat. Simmer for 90 mins.
While the chicken and the pork is stewing, add Chinese Almond juice, boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 mins.
Salt to taste.
Serve and enjoy this rich broth.
Enjoy this hot. The soup ingredients, like the bone-tender meaty pork riblets, are also perfect for eating as a side dish!
The cooked pork shank goes perfectly with some Chinese Chili Soy Dipping Sauce.
Other Easy Nourishing Chinese Soup Recipes
Find the harmony you are missing with this delicious beauty nutritious soup menu. Take back control of your mood and recharge energy levels by balancing your hormones and minerals. A bowl of nourishing soup is the quintessential embodiment of easily digestible southern Chinese cooking.
- Ba Wong Fa Soup for Cough and Phlegm 霸王花無花果瘦肉響螺湯
- Moisturizing Chinese Apple Sea Coconut Soup 雪梨蘋果海底椰玉竹無花果湯
- Chinese Papaya Soup with Black Eyed Peas (Easy) 木瓜花生眉豆雪耳雞腳湯
- Si Shen Tang Herbal Soup Adrenal Fatigue 四神湯
- Silkie Chicken Cordyceps Fish Maw Conch Soup 蟲草花花膠响螺煲烏雞湯
- Chinese Kabocha Pork Ribs Soup 南北杏南瓜排骨湯
- Chinese Papaya Dessert with Snow Fungus 木瓜雪耳糖水
What To Serve With Silkie Chicken Soup Recipe
Chinese people love double-boiled soup boiled for a long time. The extra broth is a great way to warm up and absorb nutritious essence, vitamins and minerals.
Make a complete meal with these delicious recipes:
- Easy Homemade Char Siu (Air Fried)
- Honey Garlic Pork Ribs (Air Fry) 蒜子蜜汁骨
- Steamed Chicken with Chinese Mushrooms and Sausages Claypot Rice 臘腸冬菇滑雞煲仔飯
- Instant Pot Braised Chinese Mushrooms 髮菜炆冬菇食譜
- Microwave Soy Sauce Chicken Wings 豉油雞翅微波爐
- Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-fry 番茄炒蛋
I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
> Recipe
PrintChinese Almonds Silkie Chicken Soup 杏汁燉竹絲雞湯
杏汁燉竹絲雞湯Chinese Almonds Silkie Chicken Soup is a delicious and popular skin care elixir. This simple TCM soup enhances the body's immunity, nourishing the five internal organs and moisturizing the skin. Find energy by balancing your hormones and nourishing from within with holistic healing in a bowl of sweet almond chicken broth the whole family enjoys.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 120 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 persons 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Chinese, TCM
Ingredients
- 1 Whole 竹絲雞 Silkie Chicken, trimmed, cleaned and pat dry
- 1 lbs 豬展 Pork Shank or Tenderloin
- 2 Slices 薑 Fresh Ginger
- 4C 水 Water
Chinese Almond Juice
- 1C 南杏北杏 Chinese Almonds (Apricot Kernels)
- ¾ cup Sweet (South) Apricot Kernels
- ¼ cup Bitter (North) Apricot Kernels
- 2C 水 Water
Instructions
- Soak the herbs for 20 minutes in a small bowl to remove traces of impurities. This will help remove dust and debris. Rinse and set aside in a small bowl.
Chinese Almond Juice
- Wash and drain Chinese almonds.
- Soak Chinese Almonds for an hour.
- Add Chinese Almonds and 2 cups of drinking cold water to Vitamix blender. Blend for 30 seconds or until smooth.
- Strain and set aside.
- Pro Tip: Add Chinese almonds pulp to a reusable cotton soup bag.
- First, wash the pork ribs, pork shank or tenderloin with cold water and pat dry with a kitchen paper towel. No need to cut the pork ribs into small pieces unless your pot is not big enough.
- Parboil the pork ribs in a medium pot to remove the impurities. Rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- You can purchase whole Silkie Chicken at your local Asian supermarket, fresh or frozen. Remember to wash and remove the inners, especially the lungs, head and tail. If there are any leftover feathers, pluck those too!
- You may also remove the skin for a healthier option with less oil. However, it is not necessary. The flesh is lean and not fatty.
- Add the whole chicken, pork shank and ginger slices into a large pot not made of stainless steel like this Perfect Pot or a Buydeem Health Beverage Maker. Although not all Chinese herbs react with metal, it is best not to use a metal pot when making Chinese medicinal herbal soups.
- Fill the pot with enough water to cover to make the soup stock. We used approximately 4 litres of cold water.
- Boil at high heat for 30 minutes, then reduce to low heat. Simmer for 90 mins.
- While the chicken and the pork is stewing,
- Add Chinese Almond juice, boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 mins.
- Salt to taste.
- Serve and enjoy this rich broth.
Notes
- Enjoy this hot. The soup ingredients, like the bone-tender meaty pork riblets, are also perfect for eating as a side dish! The cooked pork shank goes perfectly with some Chinese Chili Soy Dipping Sauce.
- Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local Asian supermarket or grocery stores or Amazon Online.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pot
- Calories: 652
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 69.5 mg
- Fat: 57.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8.5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26.2 g
- Cholesterol: 78.8 mg
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More Chinese Recipes
Chinese Steamed Chicken With Shiitake Mushroom 冬菇蒸雞
Air Fryer BBQ Pork Char Siu 氣炸鍋蜜汁叉燒
Red Bean Soup (Instant Pot) 蓮子百合紅豆沙
Braised Beef Brisket & Tendon 柱侯蘿蔔炆牛筋腩
Best Postpartum Pig Trotter Black Vinegar and Ginger 豬腳薑醋
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Covita says
Sold on this recipe- and will be trying your other silkie chicken recipes too.
Love this site
swathi iyer says
This almonds silie chicken soup sounds yum. Need to try this.
Nicole NK says
Such a delicious recipe!
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings says
We absolutely love this - it is so delicious and nourishing!
Bernice says
This soup sounds like it has so many health benefits and is tasty too. I've got to pick up a silkie chicken next time I'm at T & T.
Mina says
This recipe is amazing! Not only it is delicious but it also has a lot of nutritional content and I love that it can help moisturize the skin. I will definitely make this soup recipe soonest!
Nancy says
Thanks Mina! Enjoy this skincare routine that glow from within!
Karen says
This was delicious! Better than our local restaurant. Great flavor and super easy to make. Will make again soon!
Amy Liu Dong says
Such a unique, delicious, and easy recipe to make.
I really love it!
Bernice says
So much collagen! I can see how this world be great for your skin and joints.
Andrea Janssen says
Sounds delicious. Thank you!
Andrea says
Such a delicious soup! Perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Audrey says
Great soup!
megane says
Such a delicate flavoured soup. Thanks for sharing.
Andrea says
Such a delicious soup! Love how cozy it is!
Amy says
Tried this for the first time and it was delicious! Easy enough to make anytime.
Leslie says
Such a unique recipe that is perfect!
Stine Mari says
Such a soothing soup that works so well on a cold winter day. Chinese almonds are so intriguing!
Elizabeth says
This looks so delicious! Never thought to try this soup.
Sue says
Every sip of this soup is like a vitamin boost of good health!
Angela says
I always enjoy trying new recipes. This was delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Mina says
I love soups and I feel like this is something interesting and worth trying. I am also a fan of Chinese soups because aside from the amazing taste, they're also full of health benefits which is really helpful.
Andrea says
this soup is something special! love how healthy it is too!
Marcellina says
Thank you for thoroughly explaining the health benefits of all the ingredients. It's fascinating and so interesting!
allyson says
I've never seen a black chicken before, but chicken soup is one of my favorite things ever!
Katie says
Perfect flavor and easy to make this almond milk silkie chicken soup is perfect!
Gina Abernathy says
I love the combination of ingredients in this soup. Sounds wonderful.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
The flavors in this soup meld together so well - it is a rich and complex soup.
Nancy says
The silkie and the apricot kernels is bar none the best flavour pairing!
Camilla says
I love a soothing chicken soup and always make it when I can feel a cold coming on! I will try this recipe next time it sounds delicious. I love the idea of almond juice in there! Cant wait to try it! I never heard of silkie chicken before and don't think I can get it here. But will make it with regular chicken instead
Nancy says
Maybe check your local asian supermarket or see if there are any asian speciality chicken farmers in your area. You have to try it with the black chicken!
Rachael says
Loving all these health benefits and it’s always so fun to find and test our new ingredients. Thank you!
Nancy says
You are welcome Rachael. I'm so happy to hear that you like new ingredients and methods to cook them too!
Nora says
What a great combination of flavors! Can't wait to give it a try!
Nancy says
Can't wait to hear what you think
Charles says
Nancy,
All of your recipes are amazing. This one is definitely graduate level but I have to try it for all the health benefits. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy says
Thanks Charles for your kind words and support always. This chicken soup will definitely keep you toasty warm!
Shelby says
I love when food is medicine, and this is a delicious and healing recipe. Thank you!
Nancy says
wholesome good food is always healing to the body!
Beth says
I have never seen chicken like this before. I'm a huge fan of Asian food, so I'm eager to give it a try. It looks delicious!
Nancy says
I'm so happy to hear that you are exciting for this black chicken soup as much as we are!
Jean says
Great flavor and easy to follow directions for this first-timer making this. Thanks. j
Nancy says
Thanks Jean! ENjoy!
Jess says
Oh wow! I am so intrigued by this broth. Thanks for sharing...excited to try!
Nancy says
Enjoy this sweet and fragrant chicken broth!
Katherine says
I love the nourishing combination of chicken, ginger and almonds.
Nancy says
Thanks Katherine - enjoy this delicious and soothing beauty skincare soup!
Anjali says
I love all of the health benefits this soup has! I can't wait to make it this week!
Nancy says
Enjoy this delicious soup! Happy wellness!
Michelle says
This turned out perfect, it was nourishing and very tasty. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Nancy says
Thanks Michelle - i'm so happy to hear it turned out great !
Sara Welch says
This was such a unique and unexpected recipe that does not disappoint! Everything a gourmet soup should be, and then some; definitely, a new favorite dish!
Nancy says
Hooray! Thanks Sara - i'm so happy to hear that you are a fan!