🍽️ Qingyuan Chicken

Yellow-skin chicken, great poached or in soup.

Qingyuan Chicken, also called Qingyuan Ma chicken, is a prized local breed from Qingyuan in northern Guangdong, known for golden skin, tender smooth meat and a strong, genuine chicken flavor. Raised free-range in the hills over a longer growing period, its flesh is firm yet not tough. The classic local preparation is white-cut poached chicken: the whole bird is simmered until just done, then chilled briefly to tighten the skin, chopped into pieces and served with a ginger-scallion dip that highlights the natural taste. It is also commonly used in clear soups or simply steamed, yielding a sweet aromatic broth. Widely served at Cantonese banquets, it is a must-order dish for visitors to Qingyuan.