Tea-Smoked Chicken
Tea-Smoked Chicken is a classic Sichuan dish featuring chicken (often a whole bird or leg quarters) that is first marinated and then smoked over a mixture of tea leaves, rice, and spices. The smoking process imparts a distinctive, aromatic, and slightly earthy flavor to the tender, juicy meat. It is a popular appetizer or main course in Chinese cuisine, particularly in the Sichuan province.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and moderate in fat, with virtually no carbohydrates. It provides key nutrients like iron, niacin, and selenium from the chicken, along with antioxidants from the tea. A typical serving of chicken (about 150g) contains roughly 250-300 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 10 mg |
| Selenium | 28 mcg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg |
Per 1 serving (150 g) of smoked chicken · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The unique cooking method of smoking over tea leaves is a traditional Chinese technique that infuses the meat with a complex, fragrant aroma without the need for heavy sauces. Nutritionally, the tea used in smoking can contribute beneficial polyphenols, adding a subtle antioxidant boost to the protein-rich dish.
