BRAISED CHICKEN WITH FRESH DATES

This recipe is a similar recipe to Braised Chicken with Red Dates with a little substitution.  The difference is with the dates used.  Here, I used fresh dates which are now available in the markets.  
The fresh dates when cooked are soft and naturally sweet.  Lovely, tasty dish with rice.

Ingredients
1 large deboned chicken whole legs [with or without skin] – cut bite size pieces
9 fresh dates
4-5 cloves garlic – peeled keep whole
4-5 slices ginger
200 ml water
1 tbsp oil
Seasoning
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
1/2 tsp dark soy sauce for colour
1/2 tbsp brown sugar

1. Lightly marinate chicken pieces with some light soy sauce for 15 minutes. Mix well until liquid is well absorbed.
2. Heat up a non-stick wok with oil. Pan fry the chicken pieces [skin side down] about 5-10 minutes until golden. Turn over to fry the other side for another 5 minutes. 
3. Push aside and remove excess oil if  any, then add in the garlic and ginger to fry until aromatic and slightly browned.  Add in the fresh dates.
4. Mix well all the ingredients, add in dark and light soy sauce, wine and sugar. Bring to a bubbly boil then add in water to braise [add more if you like to have more sauce].
5. Cover with lid and braise until sauce is reduced or thick, the fresh dates and the chicken pieces are tender.
6. Dish up to serve.