Chinese Herbal Black Chicken ( wu gu ji,烏骨雞), Soup Recipe

The black chicken or commonly known as silky (silkie) chicken have black skin, flesh and bones. This unique chicken also have only four toes as compared with other types of chicken. Scientist believe that silkies chicken originated from China as it was documented during Marco Polo time.
This black chicken flesh is very sweet and tender. I would normally cook this chicken with Chinese herbs like huaishan, kei chi, tong som,  tong kwai, yuk chok and hongzao. You can double boil, steam or just boil this chicken just like cooking soup.
Here is my Chinese Herbal Black Chicken Recipe

Ingredients
Black chicken (wu gu ji), 1 whole bird
Huaishan, 1 pc
Kei chi, 1 tablespoon
Tong Som, 1 stick
Tong Kwai, 1 or 2 pcs
Yuk Chok, 10 pcs
Hongzao (red dates), 5 pcs
Light Soya sauce, 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste

Put chicken, light soya sauce and all the Chinese herbs into a pot. Pour water enough to cover the chicken. Boil for around half an hour. Turn to low heat after 10 minutes of boiling. Add salt to taste.
Serve while still hot!


Benefits of Chinese Herbs
1) Huaishan (Discorea Yam, Dioscorea opposita) – Improve digestion, respiratory function, kidneys and increases vitality(Qi).
2) Hongzao (Red Dates, Ziziphus jujuba) – Improve Qi (vitality), nourishes the blood and reduces stress.
3) Yul Chuk (Polygonatum root, Polygonatum odoratum) – Moisturises our internal organ, balances Yin energy, clear wind and softens the sinews.
4) Tong Kwai (Angelica Sinensis Root, Radix Angelicae sinensis) – Stimulating effect on the uterus, tonic for blood and regulating menses, lubricate the bowels, improve immune system, antioxidant, protect digestion system and improve blood circulation.
5) Tong Som (Dang shen, Salvia Root, Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae)) – Tonic for the blood, spleen, stomach, Qi, lungs and lowers blood pressure. It also can increase our white blood cells count.
6) Kei Chi (Lycium Berries, Lycium Barbarum) – Brighten the eyes, moistens the lungs and enriches Yin energy.