Kou Shui Ji (Sichuan Mouth-Watering Chicken)
Silky poached chicken bathed in a fiery chilli oil dressing, served cold or at room temperature.
Made with Chinese master stock and Chinese chilli oil. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £5.21 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Bring your ready made Chinese master stock (see the base recipe) to a gentle simmer in a wide pan. Lower in the chicken thighs, so they are submerged.
- 2
Cover and cook at a barely trembling simmer for 25 minutes. The chicken is done when a thermometer reads 75C at the thickest part and the juices run clear.
25 min - 3
Lift the chicken into a bowl of iced water for 10 minutes to chill quickly and firm the skin. Strain and cool the stock, then chill or freeze it for next time.
10 min - 4
Mix the tamari, vinegar, sugar and garlic. Stir in your ready made Chinese chilli oil (see the base recipe).
- 5
Slice the cucumber onto a platter. Pull or slice the chicken from the bone and arrange it on top.
- 6
Spoon over the dressing, then scatter with the spring onions, sesame seeds and coriander. Serve cool or at room temperature.
Tips
- Poach, never boil, so the chicken stays tender. The water should barely tremble.
- Chilling in iced water stops the cooking and gives a bouncy skin.
- Boil the strained stock hard for a few minutes before chilling or freezing it.
Storing and freezing
Keeps up to 2 days in the fridge once chilled within 1 hour. Serve cold. Do not freeze the dressed chicken.
Questions
Why is it called mouth-watering chicken?
The name comes from the dressing, which is so savoury, hot and tangy that it is said to make your mouth water.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes. Poach for 15 to 18 minutes until 75C in the middle. Breast dries out faster, so check early.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, using gluten free tamari and a gluten free master stock. It is also dairy free, egg free and nut free.
More made with chinese master stock
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.