Description
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a comforting, aromatic dish made with poached chicken, savory broth-infused rice, and bold dipping sauces. A Southeast Asian classic that’s rich in flavor yet light on the palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 3.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 large piece ginger (4 inches), sliced
- 6 scallions, cut into segments
- 8 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 red chilies, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Water (enough to cover chicken)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil with sliced ginger and scallions.
- Rub chicken with salt, rinse, then add to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes.
- Transfer cooked chicken to an ice bath to cool. Reserve the poaching liquid.
- In a pan, heat chicken fat or oil. Sauté garlic and ginger, stir in rice, then transfer to rice cooker or pot with poaching broth and cook.
- Blend chilies, garlic, lime juice, salt, and sugar for chili sauce. For ginger sauce, blend ginger, oil, and salt.
- Slice chicken and drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Plate with rice, cucumber, and dipping sauces.
- Serve with a bowl of warm broth and enjoy.
Notes
- Use the poaching liquid to cook the rice for a richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the ice bath — it ensures tender, glossy chicken skin.
- Make sauces in advance and refrigerate for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: Hainanese Chicken Rice, chicken rice recipe, Singapore chicken rice, poached chicken, Southeast Asian cuisine