淮山紅棗杞子竹絲雞湯 Chinese Herbal Silkie Chicken Soup is a delicious and popular immune-boosting elixir. This simple TCM soup enhances the body's immunity, nourishing the five internal organs and improving the Qi. Find energy by balancing your hormones and nourishing in this Chinese soup recipe with medicinal herbs for a holistic healing approach to improving women's health at any age.
Silkie Chicken is one of my favourite Asian chickens. Black bone chicken has a delicious concentrated chicken flavour and sweet taste compared to regular chicken. The skin of the chicken is purple, black and shiny, and it has the Chinese TCM therapeutic of nourishing the five internal organs. This is one of the most delicious soup recipes with tons of benefits for the whole family.
After perfecting these nutritious black silkie chicken recipes like Silkie Chicken with Cordyceps and Fish Maw Soup and Chinese Almonds Silkie Chicken Soup, making this Chinese herbal chicken soup with Chinese yam (huai shan 鮮淮山) and Chinese red dates (hong zao 紅棗) was on my mind!
Jump to:
- > In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Chinese Silkie Herbal Chicken Soup
- Ingredients and Substitutes
- Goji Berry / Wolfberry (Lycium Chinense) 枸杞 gǒuqǐ
- Dried Longan 桂圓肉 guìyuán ròu / 龍眼 lóngyǎn
- Instructions
- Other Easy To Make Nourishing Chinese Soup Recipes
- What To Serve With Silkie Chicken Soup Recipe
- > Recipe
- Chinese Herbal Silkie Chicken Soup 淮山紅棗杞子竹絲雞湯
After all, this aromatic 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 black chicken soup recipe to boost my blood circulation and immune system to avoid the flu season! My hands and feet instantly warm up!
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!
> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Chinese Silkie Herbal Chicken Soup
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.
When you suffer from poor appetite, drinking double-stewed soup is the best way to regain health and vitality.
This Chinese chicken soup uses just 4 simple ingredients filled with natural sweetness and Traditional Chinese Medicine health benefits. It is one of the simple and healthy soup recipes to make!
Silkie Chicken 竹絲雞, Zhúsī jī / 烏雞, Wūjī
What are Silkie, Chinese Silk Chicken or Silky chickens? 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. Silkie has approximately twice the amount of carnosine as Rocks. L-Carnosine supports the proper functioning of the brain, heart, skin, muscles, kidneys, and stomach. It is an antioxidant for the maintenance of good health which supports healthy aging and cellular rejuvenation. This chicken is king in Chinese herbal medicine.
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 Almond Juice 杏汁燉竹絲雞湯.
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. Add pork ribs, pork bones, or pork shank to enrich the broth.
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 Yam (Dioscorea polystachya) 淮山 huáishān / 山藥 shānyào
Huai Shan has a sweet, neutral characteristic, commonly called Chinese yam. Individuals with spleen deficient 脾虚 will find improvements in their digestive system. It promotes urination and inhibits gastric cleansing properties.
Huai Shan targets kidney, lung, and spleen channels 腎﹐肺﹐脾. It can also help to reduce blood sugar and blood pressure, improves antibodies, is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and improves vitality.
淮山益氣養陰,補脾肺腎,對於脾胃虛弱、倦怠無力、食欲不振、久泄久痢、肺氣虛燥、下肢痿弱、消渴尿頻、帶下白濁等徵狀有很好的治療作用。
Red Dates 紅棗 hóngzǎo
Jujube fruits are sweet and warm and enter the heart, spleen, and stomach meridians. It tonifies and improves the digestive system's motility. Choose unpitted red dates because their seeds inherently calm the mind and promote relaxation.
Ziziphus jujube's edible fruits are highly nutritious and contain plenty of vitamin C and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. That's why many marketing products that promote relaxation and reduce stress highlight magnesium.
During that particular time of the month, a woman's period, Ziziphus jujuba, has positive effects. Red date tea helps restore the disharmony of hormones in poor blood circulation (blood deficiency) with a painful menstrual cycle.
New mothers typically exhibit a drastic drop in both progesterone and estrogen levels. Red dates replenish blood deficiency, malnourished and disturbed heart-mind, and repair broken sleep.
This Red Date Tea also benefits postmenopausal women. If you are wondering if you can eat Chinese red dates during pregnancy? The answer is yes. Red dates are high in iron and help prevent anemia in pregnant women and improve the nutritional quality of breast milk.
"一日吃三枣,青春不显老。" 紅棗甘甜、溫熱,可進入心脾胃經,養血安神,治療失眠。
Goji Berry / Wolfberry (Lycium Chinense) 枸杞 gǒuqǐ
Goji Berry is typically used to nourish the blood and tonifies the Yin by entering the kidney and liver channels in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
This wonderful tonic herb promotes longevity and anti-ageing, brightens the eyes and moistens the lungs. Goji berries help treat anemia, insomnia, tinnitus, diabetes and impaired vision, such as glaucoma.
This antioxidant fruit is known as Matrimony Vine Fruit for its aphrodisiac effect!
Add goji berries to your oatmeals or Energy Raw Bars for Western culinary applications.
Wolfberry Berries are rich in polysaccharides, betaine, sesquiterpenes, vitamin A, B-1,2, C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zeaxanthin, physalis, and linoleic acid. Warm-type constitutions.
枸杞子有养阴补血、滋补肝肾、益精明目清火的功效。養血安神、治療失眠、养肝护肝、 补肾。枸杞性质比较温和,食用稍多无碍,但进食过多也会令人上火。
Dried Longan 桂圓肉 guìyuán ròu / 龍眼 lóngyǎn
Longan meat is an edible fruit that addresses blood deficiency in the heart and spleen. The heart controls a person's mental well-being, including sleep quality. Blood deficiency can give rise to Qi deficiency. In TCM, blood produces Qi, and Qi promotes blood circulation. Rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and organic acids.
桂圓肉味甘,開胃健脾,補虛益智 保心血,潤五臟,治怔忡。滋補養血安神。女性在產後調補也很適宜。
Other Ingredients That Goes Well for Chinese Herbal Soup
- Astragalus Root 北芪 běiqí /黄芪 huángqí
- Codonopsis Pilosula 黨參 dang shen
- Female Ginseng (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 當歸 dāngguī
- Rhizoma Chuan Xiong 川芎 chuānxiōng
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.
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.
To make the chicken broth, add the whole chicken, pork shank and herbal ingredients 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.
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 To Make Nourishing Chinese Soup Recipes
Find the harmony you miss with this delicious, immune-boosting, 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)
- Chinese Sticky Rice 糯米飯
- Ants Climbing Up A Tree 螞蟻上樹
- Honey Garlic Pork Ribs (Air Fry) 蒜子蜜汁骨
- 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
Other Herbal Chicken Recipes
I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
> Recipe
PrintChinese Herbal Silkie Chicken Soup 淮山紅棗杞子竹絲雞湯
淮山紅棗杞子竹絲雞湯 Chinese Herbal Silkie Chicken Soup is a delicious and popular immune-boosting elixir. This simple TCM soup enhances the body's immunity, nourishing the five internal organs and improving the Qi. Find energy by balancing your hormones and nourishing in this Chinese soup recipe with medicinal herbs for a holistic healing approach to improving women's health at any age.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 120 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Chinese, TCM
Ingredients
- 1 Whole 竹絲雞 Silkie Chicken, trimmed, cleaned and pat dry
- 1 lb 豬展 Pork Shank or Tenderloin
- 400g Fresh or Dried Chinese Yams
- 1 tbsp Organic Dried Goji Berries 杞子
- 6 Red Dates 紅棗
- 2 Slices 薑 Fresh Ginger
- 4C 水 Water
- Salt to taste 鹽
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.
- 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.
- To make the chicken broth, add the whole chicken, pork shank and herbal ingredients 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.
- Salt to taste.
- Serve and enjoy this rich broth.
Notes
The cooked pork shank goes perfectly with some Chinese Chili Soy Dipping Sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pot
- Calories: 216
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 980.5 mg
- Fat: 4.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3.2 g
- Protein: 31.1 g
- Cholesterol: 74.5 mg
Pin the above image to your Chinese Medicinal Food Therapy TCM Recipe Pinterest Board to bookmark this page. We are so excited to share our recipes with you!
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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Donny says
This has so many of my favorite ingredients so I know I'd love it and I was right! Lol. Seriously, so good and comforting.
Nancy says
I'm so happy you are open to black chicken soups
Amy says
Such a great recipe! We have made this a few now and still so good!
Nancy says
I'm so happy to hear you are a fan!
Swathi says
This chinese herbal silkie chicken soup looks delicious. Perfect for cold days.
Nancy says
Enjoy this instant warm up nourishing soup!!
Kristina says
Very good!
Nancy says
awesome! enjoy it!
Stine Mari says
I love all the health benefits of this soup!
Nancy says
it's perfect when you are under the weather!
Marie says
I love how simple this soup looks although there are many aromatic layers to it! On the must try list!
Nancy says
This soup is so fresh and delicious!
Elizabeth says
Such a great recipe! The whole family loved it!
Nancy says
I'm so happy everyone loves a immune boosting soup!
Helene says
I love the details you give in your blog posts. They're very interesting and this recipe looks perfect for fighting off the cold weather while taking care of my health.
Nancy says
Thanks Helen - i'm glad you find the post helpful! Enjoy this self care recipe
Mina says
This soup looks amazing! I love any soup that has ginger because the taste is so soothing and delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe. Can't wait to make it over the weekend!
Nancy says
Enjoy this refreshing chicken soup. It is well balanced and not very heaty!
Angela says
A delicious soup that is very warm and comforting.
Nancy says
Enjoy this nourishing chicken soup!
Sue says
I love the healing power in this soup!
Nancy says
soup is my go to remedy!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
delicious soup - really soul satisfying,
Nancy says
soul satisfying and comforting!
Colleen says
This is the first time I've ever heard of this kind of chicken. I learn something new here every time! Thanks for sharing.
Nancy says
I'm happy to introduce you to this black bone chicken soup!
Audrey says
I love any immune boosting recipes. This one is great.
Nancy says
It's a great way to naturally boost our human system!
Andrea says
Love how flavorful this soup turns out! So good!
Nancy says
There's so many layers of flavours in this soup!
Katie says
This soup is so comforting and delicious I can't get enough of it!
Nancy says
I've been making this twice a week lately!
Swathi says
This chinese silk soup lookd delicious, Perfect for cold winter day.
Nancy says
We had a drop in temperature. It was lovely drinking this black chicken soup!
Stephanie says
This looks like a tasty recipe to help heal a nasty cold. I'll keep it on hand for the next time I'm sick!
Nancy says
Hope you feel better after drinking this soup and stay healthy!
Dannii says
This was just the kind of pick me up I needed. Such delicious flavour.
Nancy says
I love winding down with a big bowl of this soup!
MJ says
love how flavorful this soup is! So nourishing.
Nancy says
Absolutely!! It's the perfect way to ingest all the nutrients!
Bernice says
I saw these chickens at T & T and was wondering about the best way to cook them. Now I know! Love the flavours of this unique chicken soup.
Nancy says
Awesome! Now you can try cooking these chicken with soup!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
That is perfect for winter nights! Soothing and delicious!
Nancy says
Perfect any time you need a boost!
Tara says
Such a fantastic and comforting soup! I love all those flavors and how you described each ingredient. Definitely perfect for this time of year.
Nancy says
I hope the descriptions help you cook this chicken recipe!
veenaazmanov says
Thanks for the recipe and step by step instructions. Medicinal and immunity booster sounds healthy. Unique and a must try soup.
Liz says
I love when a dish is super tasty plus offers health benefits! This did both---we loved it!
Beth says
I love Chinese chicken soup and this looks like a delicious recipe.
Stephanie says
This is an outstanding recipe we will make often!
Elizabeth says
Wow, I love that this helps boost your immunity! Great soup recipe!
Andréa Janssen says
Thank you for sharing. What a delicious recipe.
Ieva says
Beautiful broth, so warming and nourishing! Absolutely amazing to sip on when it's cold.