The benefits of slow-cooked black chicken soup

Slow-cooked black chicken soup has long been celebrated for its remarkable health benefits, making it a staple in many traditional cuisines. Packed with rich flavors and high nutritional content, this dish serves as both a comforting meal and a therapeutic remedy. From boosting immunity to aiding recovery, black chicken soup is a culinary treasure with deep-rooted cultural significance. In this comprehensive guide, AK FOOD will explore the various advantages of slow-cooked black chicken soup and uncover its potential beyond mere taste.

Practical benefits of slow-cooked black chicken soup

Slow-cooked black chicken soup is more than just a flavorful dish—it is a nutritional powerhouse that offers a range of practical health benefits. With its rich protein content, essential vitamins, and unique trace minerals, this soup serves as both a nourishing meal and a therapeutic remedy. By incorporating this traditional recipe into your diet, you can harness its potent properties to enhance your overall well-being while enjoying its comforting taste.

High nutritional value

The key ingredient in black chicken soup is the silkie chicken, known for its dark skin and exceptional nutritional profile. Compared to regular chicken, black chicken contains significantly higher levels of essential nutrients, making it a powerhouse of health benefits. Black chicken is low in fat and rich in protein, supplying 18 types of amino acids along with essential vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B12, E, and PP, as well as trace elements like K, Na, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Cu. 

The iron content in black chicken is particularly significant, aiding in blood supplementation at 7.9%, compared to just 3.9% in bantam chickens. Additionally, black chicken is known to enhance immunity and overall body resistance. The superior nutritional value of black chicken nutrition contributes to its reputation as a rejuvenating and healing food.

Boosting immunity and recovery

Black chicken, often referred to in traditional medicine as “O Kei,” is a staple in Vietnamese herbal remedies. Known for its numerous health benefits, slow-cooked black chicken soup is frequently used to boost immunity, enhance overall health, and support the treatment of various ailments.

With its high nutritional content and warming properties, black chicken soup is considered a nourishing food, particularly in dishes like porridge or soup. It is beneficial for treating a range of health issues, including:

• Lung and Kidney Issues: The warming properties of slow-cooked black chicken soup support respiratory and renal health.
• Anemia and Fatigue: Its rich iron content enhances blood quality and boosts energy levels.
• Postpartum Recovery: Slow-cooked black chicken soup is a popular remedy for new mothers, helping restore strength and promote milk production.
• Chronic Ailments: Conditions like back pain, diabetes, and weak limbs are commonly addressed with this dish.

The slow cooking process extracts maximum nutrients from the chicken and herbs, making the soup a potent remedy for individuals recovering from illness or surgery. Therefore, slow-cooked black chicken soup is ideal for individuals with compromised health, the elderly, postpartum women, and those recovering from illness.

More information: Nutritious porridge information – Everything you need to know

Nutritional enhancements

Enhancing the nutritional value of slow-cooked black chicken soup elevates it from a wholesome dish to a tailored health tonic. By incorporating specific herbs and ingredients, this soup can address a wide range of health needs, making it not only delicious but also functionally beneficial. To elevate the nutritional content, black chicken can be combined with herbs like ginseng, goji berries, jujube, and Cordyceps, tailoring the soup to specific health needs.

Cooking methods: How to make slow-cooked black chicken soup?

Crafting a bowl of slow-cooked black chicken soup is as much about technique as it is about quality ingredients. The slow cooking process allows the chicken and herbs to release their full nutritional potential, creating a rich, flavorful broth that is both comforting and nourishing. Discover the secrets to making a perfectly tender, aromatic black chicken soup that offers maximum health benefits with AK Food.

Slow cooking by steam method

The steam method is a traditional and highly effective way to prepare slow-cooked black chicken soup, ensuring that the nutrients and flavors are preserved to their fullest. This gentle cooking technique locks in moisture and allows the black chicken and accompanying herbs to slowly release their rich, nourishing essence into the broth. Follow this method to experience the authentic taste and health benefits of this time-honored dish.

Ingredients preparation

• 1 black chicken (about 1.5 kg).
• 20g ginger, sliced.
• 1 – 1,5 tablespoons rice wine (optional).
• 1 liter chicken broth (can be replaced with filtered water).
• Additional herbs (e.g., goji berries, jujube) as desired.

Cooking slow-cooked black chicken soup steps

• Step 1 – Assemble the ingredients: Place the black chicken in a crock pot and add the sliced ginger, rice wine, and chicken broth.
• Step 2 – Seal the pot: Cover the crock pot with its lid securely.
• Step 3 – Set up the steaming environment: Place the sealed crock pot in a larger pot filled with water, ensuring the water level reaches halfway up the sides of the crock pot.
• Step 4 – Boil and steam: Bring the water in the larger pot to a boil over high heat. After it reaches a boil, lower the heat to keep a steady simmer.
• Step 5 – Cooking time: Steam the chicken for about 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough water in the larger pot, you can add more water if necessary.
• Step 6 – Check for doneness: The chicken should be tender and fully cooked. Remove it from the heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes prior to serving.

Slow cooking on the stove

For a straightforward and traditional approach to preparing slow-cooked black chicken soup, the stove-top method is an excellent choice. This technique allows for precise control over cooking temperatures, ensuring the black chicken becomes tender and infuses the broth with its rich flavors. With these simple steps and minimal equipment, you can create a comforting bowl of black chicken soup right in your kitchen.

Ingredients preparation

• 1 black chicken (about 1.5 kg).
• 20g ginger, sliced.
• 1 – 1,5 tablespoons rice wine (optional).
• 1 liter of water.
• Additional herbs (e.g., goji berries, jujube) as desired.

Cooking slow-cooked black chicken soup steps

• Step 1 – Combine ingredients: In a crock pot, place the black chicken, sliced ginger, rice wine, and water.
• Step 2 – Initial cooking: Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on high heat for about 30 minutes to bring it to a boil.
• Step 3 – Reduce heat: After 30 minutes, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently.
• Step 4 – Simmering time: Allow the soup to simmer for 2 – 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Step 5 – Check for tenderness: The chicken should be tender and easily pulled apart. Adjust seasoning as desired.
• Step 6 – Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred the meat if desired, and serve the soup hot.

Serving suggestions

Slow-cooked black chicken soup is not only a nourishing dish but also a versatile one that can be served in various ways to suit different preferences and occasions. Let’s explore how to turn your black chicken soup into a nutritious remedy.

Ingredients preparation:

• 1 black chicken (about 1.5 kg).
• 20g dried pink apple (or substitute with apple slices).
• 12g dried dahlia flowers.
• 30g dried conjugate (can be substituted with goji berries or jujube).
• 1 liter of water.
• 1 – 2 slices of ginger.
• 1 – 1,5 tablespoons of rice wine (optional).
• Salt to taste.

Instructions to make slow-cooked black chicken soup for serving size

• Step 1 – Preparation: Rinse the black chicken thoroughly, ensuring that all feathers and internal organs are removed. Rinse it under cold water and then gently dry it with a towel. Soak the dried pink apple and dahlia flowers in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften them.

• Step 2 – Cooking: In a large pot, add the cleaned black chicken, soaked pink apple, dahlia flowers, and conjugate. Add 1 liter of water and the ginger slices to the pot. If using, pour in the rice wine for added flavor. Heat the mixture on high until it reaches a boil. After it starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together. Monitor the pot periodically and add more water as needed.

• Step 3 – Serving: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Carefully take the chicken out and cut it into serving pieces. Return the pieces to the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt as desired and serve the soup while hot.

Consumption recommendations

Due to its richness in protein, it is recommended that adults consume black chicken twice a week (about 200g each time), while children should enjoy it once a week (100g). For therapeutic use, adults can consume one chicken divided into 1-2 portions daily, for a treatment period of 4-5 days, with 10-12 courses per year.

However, it should be noted that individuals with acute diseases such as meningitis, bronchitis, or urinary tract infections should avoid this dish. Those with digestive disorders or dysentery should also refrain from consuming black chicken soup.

With the information shared in this article about the benefits of slow-cooked black chicken soup, we hope you have gained valuable insights into this nutritious meal. Whether as a comforting meal or a therapeutic remedy, this dish is a testament to the power of food as medicine. As highlighted by AK Food, enjoy the health benefits it brings.

For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us through the following channels:

Anh Kim Food Production Joint Stock Company (AK FOOD)

• Phone number: 028 3815 9696
• Email: contact@akfood.com.vn.
• Website: akfood.vn
• Address: Lot III – 1B, Street 1, Tan Binh Industrial Park, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.