Steamed Chicken with Huang Qi

Nourishing Steamed Chicken with Huang Qi

If you're feeling run down, experiencing poor appetite, or struggling with fatigue, this gentle and deeply nourishing dish might be just what your body needs. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this recipe highlights Huang Qi (Astragalus Root)—a revered herb known for its immune-boosting and Qi-tonifying properties. Paired with chicken and warming spices like ginger and green onion, this simple steamed dish is both therapeutic and satisfying. This dish is light yet nourishing and can be consumed regularly, especially during times of fatigue or recovery, or postpartum.

INGREDIENTS

(2 servings)

• 1 lb chicken (preferably organic, skinless thigh or breast) Black chicken is you can find it!

• 15g Huang Qi (Astragalus root), cut into 2-inch sticks

• 1 tbsp cooking wine

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, sliced or minced

• 1 stalk green onion, chopped

• 1 cup water or broth

• Dash of ground white pepper (optional, for serving)

PROCEDURE

1. Rinse the chicken under cold water and cut into 1-inch cubes.

2. Slice Huang Qi into 2-inch pieces.

3. Place all ingredients—chicken, Huang Qi, ginger, green onion, cooking wine, and water or broth—into a heat-safe bowl.

4. Set the bowl into a double boiler or steamer setup. Cover and steam over medium heat for 30 minutes.

5. Before serving, add a dash of ground white pepper for a subtle warming kick. Delicious served over rice.

Benefits

This dish is more than comfort food—it’s functional medicine in a bowl. In Chinese Medicine, Huang Qi is known to tonify Spleen Qi, raise yang, and support the wei qi (protective qi), which helps prevent common colds and boosts immunity.

It’s particularly beneficial for:

• Low appetite

• Chronic fatigue

• Blood deficiency symptoms like dizziness

• Prolapsed organs

• Chronic diarrhea due to Spleen Qi deficiency

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) is prized for its ability to:

• Tonify Spleen Qi and Lung Qi

• Raise Yang Qi (great for prolapse and organ support)

• Boost Wei Qi (protective qi) to prevent colds and flus

• Promote tissue regeneration and wound healing

The addition of chicken helps supplement qi and blood, while ginger and green onion gently warm the middle jiao, supporting digestion and enhancing the formula’s action. This steamed chicken with Huang Qi is a perfect example of food as medicine—simple to prepare, easy to digest, and packed with healing potential. Ideal for the cooler months, postpartum recovery, or anytime you need a little extra strength and support.

Seasonal Note:

This dish is especially appropriate in autumn and winter, or in early spring when your body is still recovering from the cold months. It’s warming, grounding, and energizing without being too heavy—ideal when your Spleen and Lung Qi need extra love.

Suggested Pairings:

To make this a more complete meal, consider serving with:

• A bowl of white or millet congee for extra digestive support

• Lightly sautéed bok choy or chrysanthemum greens

• A drizzle of sesame oil for depth and warmth

• For dessert: a warm cup of goji berry and red date tea

This Steamed Chicken with Huang Qi dish is a beautiful example of how food can be both simple and medicinal. When you start integrating these types of functional meals into your routine, you're honoring your body’s rhythms and gently building resilience from the inside out. Let this dish be your kitchen's quiet healer.

Mountain Rose Herbs carries a very high quality Huang Qi!

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