Hainanese chicken rice
Discover the authentic taste of Hainanese Chicken Rice with this flavorful recipe. Tender whole chicken paired with aromatic ginger, scallions, and sesame oil, served with fragrant white rice and a zesty chili-lime dipping sauce. Perfectly complemented by crisp cucumber slices. Try it now for a delicious and satisfying meal!
- 23 Apr 2025
- Cook time 120 min
- Prep time 30 min
- 4 Servings
- 12 Ingredients
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a fragrant and savory dish originating from Hainan, China, but is now immensely popular in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. This delightful recipe combines tender poached chicken with aromatic rice and a tangy chili sauce, creating a wholesome and flavorful meal that's perfect for family dinners or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken skin with 1 tsp salt to exfoliate and clean, then rinse off the salt and set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water and add the ginger slices and roughly half of the chopped scallions.
- Place the whole chicken into the pot.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool down. Save the chicken broth for later use.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a rice cooker or a pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat the rice in the oil and garlic mixture.
- Measure out 4 cups of the reserved chicken broth and pour it into the rice cooker or pot with the rice.
- Cook the rice according to the rice cooker instructions or bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the finely chopped red hot chili peppers, remaining chopped scallions, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tsp sugar, and juice from 1 lime. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and set the chili sauce aside.
- Remove the chicken from the ice bath and pat it dry. Brush the chicken skin lightly with 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Carve the chicken into serving pieces.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on a serving platter with thinly sliced cucumber on the side.
- Serve the chicken with a bowl of the fragrant chicken rice, a small dish of the chili sauce, and any leftover chicken broth as a soup.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use a fresh, high-quality chicken and the freshest ginger, garlic, and scallions you can find.
- Properly clean the chicken: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cleaned and patted dry before cooking to remove any impurities and to help it cook more evenly.
- Poach the chicken gently: Cook the chicken on a low simmer to keep it tender and juicy. Avoid boiling it too vigorously, which can make the meat tough.
- Save the chicken broth: The broth from poaching the chicken can be used to cook the rice, adding more depth of flavor.
- Rest the chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest before cutting to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in moister meat.
- Use short-grain rice: Short-grain rice works best for this dish due to its slightly sticky texture and ability to absorb the flavors of the broth.
Once you've tried this Hainanese Chicken Rice recipe, you'll appreciate the harmony of flavors and textures that make it so beloved across Southeast Asia. The tender chicken, fragrant rice, and zesty chili sauce come together to create a dish that's satisfying on so many levels. Enjoy this culinary experience with friends and family, and savor the way the simple yet complex flavors complement each other perfectly.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 600 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 1440kcal | 72% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 100g | 64% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 90g | 26% |
| Fiber 2.89g | 8% |
| Sugar 6g | 6% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 80g | 90% |
| Saturated 20g | 69% |
| Cholesterol 300mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 370ug | 41% |
| Choline 230mg | 42% |
| Vitamin B1 0.84mg | 70% |
| Vitamin B2 0.77mg | 59% |
| Vitamin B3 27mg | 172% |
| Vitamin B6 1.27mg | 74% |
| Vitamin B9 270ug | 67% |
| Vitamin B12 0.92ug | 38% |
| Vitamin C 36mg | 42% |
| Vitamin E 1.26mg | 8% |
| Vitamin K 36ug | 30% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 130mg | 10% |
| Copper, Cu 0.57mg | 64% |
| Iron, Fe 10mg | 89% |
| Magnesium, Mg 110mg | 27% |
| Phosphorus, P 680mg | 54% |
| Potassium, K 1100mg | 32% |
| Selenium, Se 90ug | 168% |
| Sodium, Na 790mg | 53% |
| Zinc, Zn 9mg | 82% |
| Water | |
| Water 330g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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