Spring Equinox · Dinner · Qi Stagnation
Orange-glazed chicken thigh with garlic choi sum
Crisp-skinned chicken thigh in a glossy fresh orange glaze, sweet-sour and fragrant, with garlicky choi sum.
- 25 min
- Serves 2
- Pan-fry
- Easy
NeutralMoves qiSettles the stomach
Why it suits you: Qi-stagnant types often feel irritable and tight across the ribs as liver qi rises at the Spring Equinox. Orange zest and juice move qi and open the chest, chicken warms and supports qi, and the bright sweet-sour aroma helps you relax and eat well.
Method
Prep 10 min · Cook 15 min- 1Marinate the chicken with the soy sauce and a little zest for 15 minutes.
- 2Fry skin side down in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 6 minutes until golden, turn and cook 5 minutes more, then add the orange juice and honey and reduce to a glaze.
- 3Blanch the choi sum, toss with fried garlic and salt, and serve with the chicken.
Chef's tips
- Zest only the orange layer; the white pith is bitter.
The TCM view
Orange is sweet, sour and cool, and its peel pungent, bitter and warm, moving qi and settling the stomach. Chicken is sweet and warm and supports qi; choi sum eases the chest and harmonises; garlic moves qi.
