Ginger root, 2-inch piece (peeled with the edge of a teaspoon and finely chopped)
Ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon
Chicken broth, 4 cups
Dried bay leaves, 2
Light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon
Oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons
Dark soy sauce, ¼ cup
Cane vinegar, ½ cup
Chives, 1 small bunch (finely chopped)
Steamed long-grain white rice, for serving
Directions
On a cutting board, place the chicken legs and/or thighs. Season with the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
In a medium pot set over medium heat, add the grapeseed oil. Heat the oil until it shimmers, about 2 minutes, then add the seasoned chicken skin-side down. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Use the tongs to turn the chicken pieces over and brown the other side, about 10 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pot and return the pot to the heat. Add the chopped yellow onion. Cook, using the wooden spoon to stir the onion often, until it is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, chopped ginger and ground cinnamon. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Return the browned chicken to the pot along with the chicken broth, bay leaves, brown sugar, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce and cane vinegar. Bring the liquid to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30 minutes.
Use the slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the broth to a simmer. Cook, whisking occasionally with the whisk, until the liquid is reduced by three-quarters and is the consistency of gravy, about 20 minutes. Return the chicken to the pot and ladle the sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped chives, sweet red chile rings (optional) and edible flowers (optional). Serve with cooked rice.