Creating A Comforting Chicken Hot Pot

Chicken hot pot is a fun and interactive meal that can be made in a variety of ways and is perfect for a cold winter evening. The basic idea is to cook raw ingredients in a pot of boiling liquid, with a chicken broth base. The ingredients are often raw, bite-sized foods such as thinly sliced chicken, beef, pork, or seafood, as well as vegetables and noodles. The beauty of chicken hot pot is that each person can personalise their bowl with their favourite ingredients and spices.

Choosing your chicken

When it comes to choosing your chicken for a hot pot, you have a few options. You can go for boneless, skinless chicken thighs and slice them thinly. This is a good option if you want to avoid bones and skin in your dish. Alternatively, you can use chicken drumsticks, which will add more flavour to your broth. If you want to be really authentic, go for a whole chicken and boil it to make your broth, before shredding the meat and adding it back in. This will give your hot pot a rich, homemade taste.

If you're short on time, you could also buy a ready-made hot pot soup base, which often includes chicken. This will save you time on preparation and cooking, but you may not get the same depth of flavour as making your own broth from scratch.

When preparing your chicken, make sure to trim away any excess fat or skin before slicing it. This will ensure that your hot pot is not too greasy. It is also important to slice the chicken thinly so that it cooks evenly and can be easily picked up with chopsticks.

If you want to add some spice to your hot pot, you can marinate the chicken before cooking. A simple marinade of soy sauce, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and garlic will add flavour and moisture to the meat. For an even spicier dish, you could use a chilli oil or chilli bean paste.

Finally, don't forget to handle chicken safely. Always wash your hands after touching raw chicken and make sure it is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Preparing the broth

For a basic chicken broth, you can simply boil chicken in water with some sliced ginger. Skim off any froth that appears on the surface, then lower the heat and leave to simmer for 1½–2 hours until the water becomes a little milky. You can also add root vegetables to the broth and cook until tender.

If you want to add more flavour to your broth, you can include aromatics such as scallions, onion, coriander, garlic, and ginger. Spices like star anise, cassia cinnamon, bay leaves, and Chinese black cardamom can also be added to infuse the broth with their aroma. For a spicy kick, dried chilli peppers and Sichuan pepper can be included, along with chilli oil or chilli bean paste.

For a simple Chinese hot pot, you can start by dropping some whole garlic cloves and slices of fresh ginger into a pot. Then, add slices of fresh shiitake mushrooms, a few green onions, some soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Fill the pot with chicken broth and heat until boiling.

You can also make a chicken hot pot with a ready-made soup base. For example, Lee Kum Kee's Soup Base for Chicken Hot Pot can be mixed with boiling water, chicken, and various spices and sauces for a hot and spicy chicken hotpot.

Selecting vegetables

Types of Vegetables:

When it comes to selecting vegetables for your chicken hot pot, you can choose from a range of options. Leafy greens such as bok choy, spinach, napa cabbage, watercress, and scallions are popular choices. You can also add root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and daikon radish. Mushrooms, especially shiitake mushrooms, add a nice earthy flavour to the dish. Other options include baby corn, corn on the cob, bell peppers, and onions.

Freshness and Seasonality:

Try to choose fresh, seasonal vegetables whenever possible. Opt for locally sourced produce that is in season, as it will have better flavour and texture. Look for bright, vibrant colours and avoid any vegetables that look wilted or damaged.

Amount and Variety:

A chicken hot pot is a great way to include a variety of vegetables in your meal. Aim for a mix of colours and types of vegetables to create a well-rounded and nutritious dish. You can also prepare different types of vegetables in various ways, such as slicing, dicing, or chopping, to add texture and visual appeal to your hot pot.

Preparation and Cooking:

Most vegetables used in a chicken hot pot are typically thinly sliced or chopped into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the hot broth. Some vegetables, like root vegetables, may take longer to cook, so consider adding them to the broth first. Leafy greens only need a minute or so to wilt, so add them towards the end of cooking.

Personal Preference and Creativity:

Ultimately, the vegetables you select for your chicken hot pot should be based on your personal preference and the flavours you want to incorporate. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and types of vegetables to find your perfect mix. You can also try adding spices and herbs to enhance the flavour of the vegetables.

Picking your noodles

The type of noodles you choose for your chicken hot pot can make or break the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you pick the perfect noodles:

Type of Noodles

The most common types of noodles used in chicken hot pots are rice noodles, ramen, udon, and bean thread noodles. You can also use egg noodles or glass noodles/mung bean noodles. If you want to make it a gluten-free meal, go for rice noodles, bean thread noodles, or glass noodles.

Noodle Size and Thickness

For the best hot pot experience, choose noodles that are thin and can be easily picked up with chopsticks. Thick noodles may not cook evenly in the hot pot and can be difficult to eat. If you're using egg noodles, opt for extra-wide ones as they soak up flavours and provide a hearty base for your hot pot.

Fresh vs. Dried Noodles

Fresh and dried noodles can be used for hot pots, but dried noodles are generally preferred as they are easier to store and have a longer shelf life. Fresh noodles are more delicate and should be added to the hot pot just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Amount of Noodles

Hot pots are typically very filling due to the variety of ingredients, so a little bit of noodles goes a long way. You don't need to add a lot of noodles to your hot pot, especially if you're serving it with other types of protein and vegetables.

Customization

Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles to find your favourite. You can even offer a variety of noodles to your guests and let them choose their preference.

Remember, the key to a great hot pot is customization and enjoying the process of cooking and eating together. So, don't stress too much over the noodles and focus on creating a fun and interactive dining experience!

Serving the hot pot

First, arrange your electric pot in the middle of the table. You can also use a regular pot on a portable burner. Add the broth and bring it to a simmer.

Next, arrange the serving ingredients in plates and bowls and place them on the table. These can include thinly sliced meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork; seafood; vegetables; and noodles. Don't forget to provide chopsticks for each person, plus an extra pair or two for cooking. If using tongs and/or metal nets, place these on small plates.

At mealtime, keep the broth at a simmer. Encourage all diners to take turns adding ingredients into the broth. Allow all raw items to cook fully before removing and adding to your bowl. You can also add leafy greens, such as spinach or napa cabbage, directly to the broth to cook until just wilted.

Finally, dip the cooked ingredients into your choice of dipping sauce or top with condiments as desired. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions