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Hainanese Chicken Rice

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and healthy Asian dish, then this Hainanese Chicken Rice recipe is a must-try. Originating from Hainan, China, and later popularized in Singapore and Malaysia, this dish has become a world-famous favorite. Known for its tender poached chicken, fragrant rice, and delicious dipping sauces, Hainanese Chicken Rice is often considered the national dish of Singapore. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make it at home with step-by-step instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 800
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole cxxxxhicken about 3–4 lbs
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 5 –6 slices ginger
  • 4 –5 cloves garlic smashed
  • 2 stalks green onions
  • Water for poaching
  • For the Rice:
  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 2 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 slices ginger
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth from poaching
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt to taste
  • For the Sauces:
  • Chili Sauce: 3 fresh red chilies 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon lime juice, ½ teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Ginger-Scallion Sauce: 2 tablespoons grated ginger 2 green onions finely chopped, ¼ cup hot oil, and salt.
  • Soy Sauce Dressing: 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon sugar.
  • For Garnish:
  • Fresh cucumber slices
  • Fresh cilantro
  • A drizzle of sesame oil

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare and Poach the Chicken
  2. Rub the chicken with salt to clean and exfoliate the skin, then rinse well.
  3. In a large pot, bring enough water to cover the chicken to a gentle boil. Add ginger, garlic, and green onions.
  4. Gently lower the chicken into the pot, breast side down. Simmer on low heat for 40–50 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Remove the chicken and immediately place it in an ice bath to stop cooking and keep the skin firm.
  6. Once cooled, rub the chicken lightly with sesame oil and chop into serving pieces.
  7. Step 2: Cook the Rice
  8. In a pan, heat chicken fat or oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  9. Add the rinsed jasmine rice and stir for 2 minutes to coat with oil and aromatics.
  10. Transfer to a rice cooker or pot, then add chicken broth. Cook until fluffy and fragrant.
  11. Step 3: Make the Sauces
  12. Chili Sauce: Blend all ingredients until smooth.
  13. Ginger-Scallion Sauce: Mix ginger, scallions, and salt in a bowl, then pour hot oil over to release aromas.
  14. Soy Sauce Dressing: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until dissolved.
  15. Step 4: Serve
  16. Arrange the chicken pieces on a platter with cucumber slices. Serve with fragrant rice, a small bowl of broth, and the three dipping sauces on the side. Garnish with cilantro and drizzle with sesame oil.