During the Republic of China era, a dish called 'Xinfeng Chicken' from Shanghai (Xinfeng is located in Ganzhou, Jiangxi) was similar to Three Cup Chicken. Through the writings and traditions of people from other provinces, this may have led to the postwar belief in Taiwan that 'Three Cup Chicken comes from Jiangxi.' On the other hand, experienced Taiwanese chefs and restaurateurs believe that 'Three Cup Chicken' originated in traditional rural Taiwan, with its development linked to the idea of thriftiness (extending the shelf life of food) and as a modification of sesame oil chicken (reducing the alcohol content). Farmers would cook chicken with soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil.