Chicken is double-boiled inside a young coconut for a naturally sweet, fragrant medicinal soup. This protein-rich family tonic is a luxurious Cantonese wellness dish.
Carefully cut the top off the young coconut, reserving the lid, and pour the coconut water into a bowl.
Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes; squeeze out excess moisture and slice them if large.
Cut the chicken thigh into large bite-sized pieces and lightly season with half the salt.
Layer chicken, soaked mushrooms, red dates, and goji berries inside the hollowed coconut. Pour the coconut water back inside to cover the ingredients.
Set the filled coconut (with its lid) inside a large, heatproof bowl or a double boiler. Fill the outer bowl with enough water to reach halfway up the coconut's side.
Cover and double-boil over gently simmering water for 2 hours, making sure the outer water bath does not dry out.
Carefully remove the coconut, open the lid, season the soup with remaining salt and white pepper, and serve hot.