二毛烧鸡Ermao Braised Chicken: The Legendary “Number One Chicken of Central China” Slow-Cooked in a Century-Old Master Stock
If you’re searching for an authentic Chinese food experience in Hebei’s Handan, look no further than Ermao Braised Chicken. Known as the “First Chicken of the Central Plains”, this dish is slow-cooked in a 200-year-old master stock, making it a true culinary heritage of China. For foodies exploring China, this is a highlight on any Handan food guide and one of the Hebei must-try dishes.
1.Origin & History of Ermao Braised Chicken
The story of Ermao Braised Chicken began in the Qing Dynasty Jiaqing era in Handan, Hebei. A father and son surnamed Wang opened a chicken shop, and because the father was nicknamed “Ermao,” the dish took his name. Using free-range local chickens and more than ten fragrant spices, they created a recipe that reflects the wisdom of traditional Chinese cuisine.
1.Cultural Significance in Handan
In Handan, Ermao Braised Chicken represents the highest level of hospitality. Locals say, “If you come to Handan, you must eat Ermao Chicken.” It’s more than food—it’s a symbol of respect, a festive dish during holidays, and the flavor of home for Handan natives everywhere. For anyone on a Handan travel food adventure, this dish is not to be missed.
3.Key Ingredients of Ermao Braised Chicken
- Main Ingredient: One-year-old free-range chicken (firm and flavorful meat)
- Signature Master Stock: Over 200 years old, infused with cloves, tsaoko, cardamom, and more
- Cooking Method: Traditional butchering and preparation for tenderness
- Final Result: Glossy reddish-brown, beautifully shaped, tender enough to fall off the bone
This unique combination makes it one of the most iconic Chinese braised chicken specialties.
4.Traditional Cooking Method
The dish follows the unique “fry first, then braise” technique:
Fresh chicken → Traditional butchering → Shaping → Light frying → Slow braising in master stock → Low-heat simmering → Finished with oil glaze.
The process takes 6–8 hours, making it a true culinary ritual of patience and flavor and a classic of Hebei traditional food culture.
5.Flavor & Texture You’ll Love
The first bite brings out a deep braised aroma, followed by juicy, tender chicken meat that releases layers of spice. The texture is soft yet intact—shake the bone lightly and the meat falls off. Even the bones are rich with flavor, making every bite irresistible. This is why Ermao Braised Chicken often tops lists of best food to try in Handan.
6.Best Ways to Enjoy Ermao Braised Chicken
The most authentic way is to tear it apart with your hands! Pair it with a freshly baked sesame flatbread, add garlic paste and a dash of aged vinegar for extra flavor, and complete the experience with a bowl of millet porridge—the classic Handan pairing.
If you’re following a Hebei food tour, this dish gives you the perfect taste of local lifestyle.
7.Where to Eat Ermao Braised Chicken in Handan
For the best experience, visit the “China Time-Honored Brand Ermao Braised Chicken” shop in Handan, Hebei.
- Price: Whole chicken ¥50–70 (≈$7–10), half chicken ¥25–35
- Ordering Tip: Ask for “One chicken, chopped please!”
- Extra Flavor Hack: Request a pack of the braising stock—it makes amazing noodles back home.
This stop is a must on any Handan travel itinerary for food lovers.
8.Travel Tips for Foodies
- English Name: Ermao Braised Chicken
- Storage: Vacuum-packed, lasts up to 7 days—perfect as a Handan food souvenir
- Best Way to Eat: Tastes even better when chilled, with firmer and more flavorful texture
- Fun Fact: Ermao Braised Chicken is one of the “Three Treasures of Handan”, with over 200 years of history
Easy Home-Style Recipe (Simplified Version)
- Prepare one free-range chicken, clean, and blanch
- Add star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and other spices to a pot
- Mix in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rock sugar, and water
- Add chicken, braise gently for 2 hours
- Turn off heat, soak for 4 more hours for maximum flavor
Cooking this at home brings a taste of Chinese traditional cuisine straight to your kitchen.
Why You Must Try Ermao Braised Chicken：Ermao Braised Chicken is more than just food—it’s a living piece of Chinese culinary heritage. With every bite, you taste the flavors of Hebei, the essence of Chinese braised cuisine, and a history spanning two centuries. For travelers searching for authentic Hebei must-try dishes, this is one unforgettable experience you simply cannot miss.
