Hainanese chicken rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice features tender poached chicken served with aromatic rice and a tangy chili sauce. Originating from Hainan, this dish is beloved across Southeast Asia for its rich flavours and comforting presentation.

31 Dec 2025
Cook time 120 min
Prep time 30 min

Ingredients:

1 tsp salt
3 lb whole chicken
1 tbsp ginger root
1/3 cup scallions
1 tsp sesame oil
1 cucumber
1 tbsp olive oil
2 red hot chili peppers
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp sugar
1 lime
2 cups white rice

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.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
- 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.

2. Cook the Chicken:
- 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.

3. Prepare the Rice:
- 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.

4. Make the Chili Sauce:
- 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.

5. Serve the Dish:
- 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.

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.

Hainanese chicken rice FAQ:

How long should I cook the chicken for Hainanese Chicken Rice?

You should simmer the chicken for about 30-40 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe doneness.

Can I store leftover Hainanese chicken and rice, and how should I do it?

Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and rice gently before serving.

What are some suitable substitutions if I can’t find sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a mild vegetable oil or peanut oil for a similar flavor profile, although it won't replicate the unique taste of sesame.

What type of rice is best for Hainanese Chicken Rice?

Medium-grain or jasmine rice is ideal for Hainanese Chicken Rice as it provides the right texture and absorbs the chicken broth flavor well.

How can I tell if the rice is fully cooked?

The rice is done when all the water is absorbed and the grains are tender. You can also fluff the rice with a fork for the best texture.

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.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 1440kcal
Protein 100g
Carbohydrates 90g
Fiber 2.89g
Sugar 6g
Fat 80g

Hainanese chicken rice