Name: Velvet Chicken
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 (3- to 31/2-lb) whole chicken; 2 (14-oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth (3 1/2 cups); 1 cup soy sauce; 1 cup dark soy sauce* (see cooks' note, below); 1 cup Chinese rice wine* (preferably Shaoxing) or medium-dry Sherry; 1/4 cup coarsely crushed yellow rock sugar* (2 oz) or 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 bunch scallions, cut into 3-inch pieces; 6 (1/4-inch-thick) round slices fresh ginger; 4 (3- by 1-inch) strips fresh orange zest; 1 tablespoon fine sea salt; 2 whole cloves; 2 whole star anise (1 1/2 teaspoons); 1 (2 1/2-inch) dried red chile; 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan or black peppercorns; Accompaniment: cooked rice or noodles; Garnish: fresh cilantro leaves

Image may contain Food Meal Dinner Supper Roast Dish Plant and Leaf

Velvet ChickenROMULO YANES

As a working mother with four daughters, my mom had very little spare time, yet she always managed to turn out meals reminiscent of her native Canton, China. This dish, one of her specialties, takes its name from the moist, velvety texture the chicken gets from being poached at a low temperature. My mother loved the short preparation time (the chicken finishes cooking through heat retained in a covered pot) and that the poaching liquid can be strained and then chilled or frozen to be used again.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Cooks' notes:

• Dark soy sauce gives a deeper color to this dish. If it's unavailable, additional regular soy sauce is an acceptable substitute. • Chicken keeps, covered and chilled, 2 days. • Leftover poaching liquid keeps, chilled, in an airtight container 1 week, or frozen 3 months. Thaw if necessary and bring to a boil before using. * Available at Kam Man Food Products (212-571-0330).

Recipe notes

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week

Like seared scallop piccata and chocolate Guinness cake.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Vegan Chili

This vegan chili skips the meat but keeps all of the smoky-savory flavors that make it so comforting: cocoa powder, beans, and all of the toppings.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.