
Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 45 mins
口水雞 (kǒu shuǐ jī), translated as "mouthwatering chicken" or "saliva chicken," is a cold Szechuan chicken dish that has a strange and somewhat off-putting name. And no, it's not really a result of anything being lost in translation, because "saliva chicken" is a very literal translation.
Despite its odd name, it's meant to convey just how delicious it is: tender-boiled chicken that's chilled, sliced, and doused in a super flavorful spicy chili oil. Here, I put a spin on the classic Chinese dish by using turkey instead, making this a perfect substitution for a whole roasted turkey come Thanksgiving—just in case you aren't hosting a super big dinner this year. Instead of a neutral oil, I opted for a stick of butter heated until its milk solids browned, then poured it over our aromatics for the ultimate condiment.
Watch the video above to see how I made this dish along with a whole Thanksgiving spread for 4 people for under $25. If you've made this recipe, leave us a note down below in the comments and let us know how you liked it!
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Ingredients
For the boiled turkey
- 1
bone-in skin-on turkey drumstick
1" ginger, sliced thinly
- 6
dried red chili peppers
- 1/2 tsp.
fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp.
cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp.
black peppercorns
- 2 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1 tsp.
Szechuan peppercorns
For the hot chili browned butter
- 2 Tbsp.
ground chili peppers
- 1/2 tsp.
ground white pepper
- 2 tsp.
ground Szechuan peppercorns
- 4
cloves minced garlic
½" ginger, minced
- 1 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1/2 cup
(1 stick) butter
Directions
- Step 1To a large pot over medium heat, add all ingredients for the boiled turkey and cover with water. Bring water to a boil and reduce heat to lower to a simmer. Let cook, covered, until turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°.
- Step 2Remove turkey leg from the pot and transfer to a large bowl of ice water. Let turkey cool completely, then drain and carve meat off the bone, reserving the bone. Slice into bite-sized pieces against the grain and set aside until ready to serve.
- Step 3Optional: Return the turkey bone to the pot and let simmer with cooking liquid until a flavorful broth develops, about 1 hour. Let cool, transfer to a heat-proof container, and reserve for another use in the refrigerator.
- Step 4Make the chili browned butter: Combine peppers, peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and salt in a 2-cup heat-proof jar. In a small pot over low heat, cook butter, swirling pot occasionally, until nutty and browned. Remove from heat and gradually pour over spices into the jar, going slowly to avoid overflow.
- Step 5To serve: Place sliced turkey on a plate, then pour over chili browned butter.
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