I had Chicken Essence when I went to Taiwan for the first time. Apparently, athletes drink it multiple times a day leading up to important matches because of how nutrient-dense it is! This Chicken Essence is made by slowly cooking chicken with vegetables over low heat, without adding any water. The natural juices released from the chicken, onion, cabbage, apple, and tomato create a concentrated, flavorful soup.

Because no extra liquid is added, the nutrients and collagen from the chicken remain in a richer, more concentrated form. As the chicken gently cooks, it releases amino acids, minerals, and natural fats that contribute both flavor and nourishment.

Chicken Essence (Waterless Chicken Soup)

Chicken Essence is a slow-cooked, nutrient-dense soup made by gently cooking chicken with vegetables without adding water. This concentrated broth is packed with flavor and nutrients extracted directly from the chicken.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings people

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Ingredients

½ cup onion, chopped
1 apple, cut into chunks
2 cups cabbage, chopped
1 tomato, cut into chunks
4 whole garlic cloves
1 whole chicken or can use diff parts of chicken, thighs, breast, legs, etc.
4 slices ginger
2 green onion stalks, cut into 3” pieces
½ Tbsp miso paste
½ Tbsp tomato paste
¼ tsp turmeric
½ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste

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Instructions
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In a large pot, layer the chopped onion, apple, cabbage, tomato, and garlic at the bottom.
½ cup onion, 1 apple, 2 cups cabbage, 1 tomato, 4 whole garlic cloves
Place the whole chicken on top of the vegetables.
1 whole chicken or can use diff parts of chicken
Add the ginger slices and green onions over the chicken. Spoon the miso paste and tomato paste over the top, then sprinkle with turmeric and black pepper.
4 slices ginger, 2 green onion stalks, ½ Tbsp miso paste, ½ Tbsp tomato paste, ¼ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp black pepper
Cover with a lid and cook over low heat for at least 1 hour. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
Once fully cooked, remove the lid and season with salt to taste.
Salt

Notes

Because this is a waterless soup, keep the heat low to prevent scorching. The vegetables will release natural juices that create a concentrated broth.

Keyword Biohacking, Chicken, Nutrition

Hi, I’m Tam!

I’m a Vietnamese American and the creator behind this recipe blog. I was previously a scientist but now do recipe development and content creation. I turned my love for research and food into intentional, science-backed cooking…

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