
This is a traditional Chinese herbal soup featuring black chicken (Silkie chicken) simmered with various Chinese herbs and ingredients. The dish is known for its rich, savory broth and tender chicken, often including goji berries, red dates, ginger, and sometimes dried longan or astragalus root. It is a staple in Chinese home cooking and is particularly popular in Cantonese and Hakka cuisines.
This soup is high in protein from the chicken and low in carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of fat depending on the cut used. It provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, with a typical serving containing around 180-220 calories.
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 5 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5.2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Selenium | 15 mcg |
| Collagen | Present (from bones) |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) including broth and chicken · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, black chicken is prized in traditional Chinese medicine for its perceived health benefits, such as boosting immunity and improving circulation. Nutritionally, the slow simmering process helps extract minerals and collagen from the chicken bones, creating a nutrient-dense broth.