Name: Nourishing Silkie Chicken Soup for Spleen Health
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 Silkie chicken (烏雞), cleaned and cut into pieces; 30g Chinese yam (淮山); 20g lotus seeds (蓮子); 10g dried goji berries (枸杞子); 5-6 Dried Red Dates (紅棗), pitted; 10g pearl barley (薏苡仁); 5g dried astragalus root (黃耆); 10g dried chrysanthemum flowers (菊花); 2 slices of ginger (薑); 2L of cold drinking water; Salt to taste

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Are you looking for a healing, nutrient-packed soup that supports your spleen, clears heat, and resolves dampness? Look no further! This Nourishing Silkie Chicken Soup for Spleen Health 健脾烏雞淮山黃耆湯食譜 is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-inspired recipe designed to nourish your body, boost digestion, and address common imbalances like yellow tongue coating, fatigue, and bloating. Packed with healing herbs and wholesome ingredients, this soup is perfect for anyone seeking to restore balance and vitality.

Nourishing Silkie Chicken Soup for Spleen Health | TCM-Inspired Healing Recipe

> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For The Best Silkie Chicken Soup For Spleen Health

Silkie chicken is valued in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for supporting spleen health. Rich in proteins, B vitamins, iron, and zinc, it nourishes the body and aids digestion, which is closely linked to spleen function in TCM.

Its tender, easily digestible meat makes it ideal for promoting digestive health. Silkie chicken is also considered a blood tonic, improving circulation and ensuring the spleen receives adequate nutrients. Additionally, its collagen content supports connective tissues and organ health.

Traditionally used in healing soups, it is believed to strengthen the spleen and boost vitality. Chinese silk chicken is one of my favourite Asian chickens to cook with and is suitable for the whole family!

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> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For The Best Silkie Chicken Soup For Spleen Health
Why Silkie Chicken Soup is Good for the Spleen
Ingredients and Chinese Herbal Benefits and TCM Properties
Instructions
Other Easy To Make Nourishing Chinese Soups
> Recipe
Nourishing Silkie Chicken Soup for Spleen Health

Why Silkie Chicken Soup is Good for the Spleen

Silkie chicken, often called "black-boned chicken," is a breed of chicken known for its unique appearance—its feathers are soft like silk, and its skin and bones are a dark, bluish-black color. Beyond its striking look, Silkie chicken is prized for its medicinal properties. It has been used in TCM for centuries, particularly for nourishing the spleen and improving overall vitality.

In TCM, the spleen is the root of digestion and energy production. When the spleen is weak, it can lead to symptoms like dampness, heat, and poor digestion. This Chinese chicken soup combines Silkie chicken, known for its nourishing properties, with TCM spleen-strengthening herbs like Chinese wild yam, lotus seeds, and pearl barley to:

Strengthen the Spleen and Qi
Clear heat (perfect for yellow tongue coating!)
Resolve dampness (excellent for bloating and heaviness)
Boost energy and immunity
Calming the Digestive System

Whether you're dealing with digestive system issues, feeling run down, or simply want a comforting, healing meal, this black chicken soup is your go-to remedy.

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Ingredients and Chinese Herbal Benefits and TCM Properties

Chinese herbal medicine, a key part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), uses natural herbs like Chinese red dates, goji berries, and astragalus to promote health and balance. These herbs boost energy, immunity, blood circulation and digestion while reducing inflammation. Tailored formulas by practitioners of traditional chinese medicine aim to treat and prevent ailments, reflecting TCM's holistic approach to well-being and longevity.

Silkie Chicken (烏雞, Wūjī) - A TCM superfood that nourishes blood and supports the spleen without being too heaty. This type of chicken has is high nutritional value, a sweet taste and helps those with a poor appetite.

Chinese Yam (淮山, Huáishān) - Strengthens the spleen and resolves dampness, making it ideal for digestive health.

Lotus Seeds (蓮子, Liánzǐ) - Calm the mind, support the spleen, and gently clear heat.

Pearl Barley (薏苡仁, Yìyǐ rén) - Raw coix seeds (Job's tears) is a powerful herb for resolving dampness and clearing heat, perfect for damp-heat conditions.

Dried Chrysanthemum Flowers (菊花, Júhuā) - Add a refreshing touch while clearing heat from the body.

Goji Berries (枸杞子, Gǒuqǐ zǐ) - Nourish yin and blood without being too warm.

Red Dates (紅棗, Hóngzǎo) - Tonify Qi and blood, adding a touch of natural sweetness.

Astragalus Root (黃耆, Huáng qí) - Tonifies spleen Qi and helps address the root cause of fake dampness.

Ginger (薑, Jiāng) - warming properties that improve circulation, aid digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Optional Ingredient

Pork Ribs (豬骨, Zhū gǔ) - Pork bones, pork tenderloin or pork shank boost a simple Traditional Chinese Medicine health benefits in soup. Pork bone soup is rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Pork is also a rich source of niacin and thiamine, Vitamins B12 and B6, selenium, and zinc. Choose pork neck bones, shank or tenderloin for a less fatty option.

Should You Add Astragalus (黃耆) to the Soup?

Astragalus is warm in nature. It tonifies Qi, but it may not be suitable if you have a yellow tongue coating, which is a sign of heat. In this case, avoiding astragalus or using it in tiny amounts (ex. 5g) and balancing it with cooling or neutral herbs is better.

Most dry goods ingredients, tools, and supplies can be purchased at local Asian markets, Chinese grocery stores, or Amazon Online. Amazon Prime members receive free shipping and faster delivery times.

Instructions

Chinese TCM double-boiled soup is a cherished tradition in Chinese culture. Chinese people values its nourishing and healing properties. The slow, gentle cooking method preserves nutrients and extracts flavours from herbs, meats, and vegetables, creating a concentrated and easily digestible broth.

Rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, these simple TCM soups are believed to boost immunity, restore the inner energy of the body, and strengthen the body.

This Spleen-Healing Silkie Chicken Soup is easy to make and requires minimal prep. Follow our step-by-step instructions, to create this healing holistic soup:

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.

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 black skin for a healthier option with less oil. However, it is not necessary. The flesh is lean and not fatty.

Add the whole chicken directly into the pot or cut it into smaller pieces. Add all the Chinese herbs except goji berries and dried chrysanthemum flowers to the pot.

Fill the large pot with enough cold water to cover to make the soup stock. We used approximately 2 litres of cold drinking water.

Boil at high heat for 30 minutes, then reduce to low heat. Simmer for 90 to 120 mins, or until the chicken is tender.

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the cooling herbs (goji berries and dried chrysanthemum flowers).

Add salt to taste before serving.

Serve and enjoy this rich Chinese herbal chicken soup.

Silkie Chicken Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a time-honored tonic for strengthening the spleen, improving digestion, and revitalizing energy. Packed with nutrients and healing herbs, this nourishing soup supports the body’s natural ability to balance and restore itself.

Other Easy To Make Nourishing Chinese Soups

Reconnect with balance through a menu of delicious, immune system -boosting, and nutrient-rich soups. Recharge your energy, uplift your mood, and restore harmony by replenishing essential hormones and minerals. These easy-to-make soups are a perfect example of Southern Chinese cooking—light, digestible, and deeply nourishing for both body and soul (especially in cold weather).

I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.

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Nourishing Silkie Chicken Soup for Spleen Health

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Are you looking for a healing, nutrient-packed soup that supports your spleen, clears heat, and resolves dampness? Look no further! This Nourishing Silkie Chicken Soup for Spleen Health 健脾烏雞淮山黃耆湯食譜 is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-inspired recipe designed to nourish your body, boost digestion, and address common imbalances like yellow tongue coating, fatigue, and bloating. Packed with healing herbs and wholesome ingredients, this soup is perfect for anyone seeking to restore balance and vitality.

Author: Nancy
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 120
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Boil
Cuisine: Chinese, TCM

Ingredients

Scale

1 Silkie chicken (烏雞), cleaned and cut into pieces
30g Chinese yam (淮山)
20g lotus seeds (蓮子)
10g dried goji berries (枸杞子)
5-6 Dried Red Dates (紅棗), pitted
10g pearl barley (薏苡仁)
5g dried astragalus root (黃耆)
10g dried chrysanthemum flowers (菊花)
2 slices of ginger (薑)
2L of cold drinking water
Salt to taste

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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.
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 black skin for a healthier option with less oil. However, it is not necessary. The flesh is lean and not fatty.
Add the whole chicken directly into the pot or cut it into smaller pieces. Add all the Chinese herbs except goji berries and dried chrysanthemum flowers to the pot.
Fill the large pot with enough cold water to cover to make the soup stock. We used approximately 2 litres of cold drinking water.
Boil at high heat for 30 minutes, then reduce to low heat. Simmer for 90 to 120 mins, or until the chicken is tender.
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the cooling herbs (goji berries and dried chrysanthemum flowers).
Add salt to taste before serving.
Serve and enjoy this rich Chinese herbal chicken soup.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pot
Calories: 120
Sugar: 3.9 g
Sodium: 32.4 mg
Fat: 1.7 g
Carbohydrates: 21.7 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 6.6 g
Cholesterol: 10.3 mg

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