Chicken Feet Soup (雞腳汤)

Name: Chicken Feet Soup (雞腳汤)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 230 min
Ingredients: 5 L / 21 US cup chicken and pork stock; 1 kg / 2.2 lb chicken feet; 150 g / 0.33 lb blanched peanuts ((found in Asian grocery stores)); 5 cloves garlic ((lightly crushed)); 5 slices ginger; 4 dried red dates ((found in Asian grocery stores)); 1/2 tbsp salt ((or to taste)); 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder

Chicken Feet Soup is the sort of comfort food that is not only delicious but incredibly nutritious! Get a boost of collegen to your skin along with chicken that just melts in your mouth. It’s SO easy to make, it’ll have everyone feeling satisfied!

A nutritious and delicious soup

I know, I know. Feet. Obviously, it’s not something everyone can stomach. But when you’re growing up in poverty and food is alarmingly scarce, you just have to make the most out of what you DO have.

Hence, Chicken Feet Soup.

For those of you who haven’t had it before, don’t be alarmed! My biggest tip: don’t knock it until you’ve tried.

If you HAVE had it before…boy, oh, boy am I excited to share this recipe with you! It is the true essence of comfort food – something that warms up every inch of your soul and tastes just like home.

There is no melt-in-your-mouth tender like the velvety skin of cooked chicken feet. They’re so packed with nutrition that the moment you feel the iconic lip-smacking stickiness, you KNOW you’ve had a pure collagen boost.

Then balance it with a creamy nuttiness from peanuts and the aromatic kick of ginger and garlic for the most soothing meal to come home to!

Everything you need to know

There may be a dozen or more questions about this Cantonese classic, so I’ve compiled them into three easy-to-digest parts:

What does chicken feet taste like?

If you look closely, you’ll notice that everything’s essentially just skin. When cooked down in a broth, the texture closely resembles incredibly soft chicken skin.

Just like any part of the chicken, it will take on the taste of whatever seasoning it was cooked in. So in this case, there is a mild savoriness with a delicate hint of fat flavor.

Of course, if it was made yum cha style, you would mostly just taste the soy and oyster sauces they were marinated in.

Is chicken feet soup healthy?

For those of you wondering if there are any health benefits to eating what the Chinese affectionately call ‘phoenix claws’ or 鳳爪, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised that yes, there is!

Phoenix claws are notorious for their collagen content, which is the foundation to helping your skin stay plump and smooth. So if you’re after a youthful complexion, drink up!

It’s also said to have anti-inflammatory effects and assists with bone health from its high calcium content.

So while it might appear rather unsightly to some, there’s no denying that it’s incredibly nutritious!

How do you eat chicken feet?

There’s really no delicate way to say it. Just bite into the foot and suck the skin away. You might need to chew and pull to clean around the bone, but there won’t be much resistance because it’s simply cooked fat.

For the smaller bones, they will break away at the joints and you’ll find the cartilage that holds each part together is quite soft after simmering for so long. It’s definitely something worth eating as well!

Why this recipe works

Using ginger and garlic works to remove odors from the chicken.
Adding dried red dates gives the soup a natural sweetness that can’t be achieved with sugar.
A good handful of peanuts adds light creaminess and nutty aromas to the soup.

What you’ll need

About the ingredients

All the meat can be purchased from a butcher. You can also get dried red dates in packets from Asian supermarkets.

When buying peanuts, opt for the unsalted blanched variety so you can have complete control of the seasoning.

How to make this recipe

Bring the stock to a gentle simmer and add in the dried red dates, garlic, ginger and peanuts, then season with chicken bouillon powder and salt.

Wash and clean the phoenix claws by cutting off the tips and removing any yellow film on the skin.

Bring the pot to a boil and put the feet in to cook for 30 minutes or until soft.

Serve immediately as is!

FAQs

How long can I store the soup for?

As with most Chinese soups, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it stored in the freezer, the soup will keep well for up to a week.

Why has my soup turned jelly-like after cooling?

Don’t panic! Boiling bones, skin and meat brings out the collagen, which will make the broth set into a gel. It’s incredibly nutritious and rich with flavor, so enjoy it while you can!

Tips for the best results

Keep the broth at a simmer. Cook using a low and slow heat, a tried-and-true technique our family uses to make sure there is no murkiness in the soup.
Double boil the stock. To maintain a naturally sweeter broth, boil the bones in water then repeat in a clean pot with fresh water.
Wash the phoenix claws well. Any dirt particles that aren’t washed off will end up in the soup, so use a bristled brush to clean everything away!

More homey nutrient-rich soup recipes!

Chinese Watercress Soup (西洋菜汤) – A family favorite for its earthy flavors and nutritious greens. We love it so much, it frequents our dinner table most nights!
Chinese Fish Soup (魚頭爐) – Indulge in the heartiest, most satisfying companion to your rice or noodles. You’ll get a satisfying crunch from pickled greens and a delicious savory tang.
Fish Maw Soup – Thick and rich with collagen, this dish makes its appearance during special celebrations.
Stuffed Bittermelon Soup (Canh Khổ Qua) – A homey and simple recipe that packs a flavor kick while beautifully balanced by a moist pork filling.
Canh Khoai Mỡ (Creamy Purple Yam Soup) – A lusciously hearty yam recipe that’s silky smooth and so easy to make!

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