Black-skinned silkie chicken is slow-simmered into a rich, collagen-packed medicinal broth. This high protein family soup is prized in Chinese medicine for nourishment and is a postpartum recovery staple.
Rinse the silkie chicken pieces under cold water to remove any debris or bone fragments.
Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes, then slice them thickly.
Add silkie chicken, carrots (cut into chunks), sliced ginger, mushrooms, red dates, and goji berries to a large stockpot.
Pour in 12 cups of cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Add whole black peppercorns and partially cover. Maintain a very gentle simmer (avoid boiling) for 3–3.5 hours for full collagen extraction.
Add salt in the last 20 minutes of simmering. Adjust final seasoning to taste before serving.
Remove and discard large bones, then ladle soup with chicken and vegetables into bowls. Serve hot.