Whether you call it Singapore’s national dish or a beloved comfort food from Southeast Asia, there’s no denying the soul-satisfying pleasures of a perfect Hainan Chicken Rice. Light yet indulgent, this aromatic meal is the embodiment of culinary traditions passed down through generations. Today, I’m eager to share my homecooked version that captures the essence of this classic with tender poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, chilled ginger sauce, and all the accompaniments one could want for the ultimate one-pot meal. So tuck your napkin in and prepare to be transported through your taste buds to another land!
Ingredients
- 500g chicken (bone-in or boneless)
- 300g jasmine rice
- 1L water
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 slices ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cucumber, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- Soy sauce, chili sauce, or ginger sauce (for serving)
Instructions:
- Rinse the jasmine rice with water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ginger slices, and minced garlic. Gently add the chicken into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool.
- In another pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the drained jasmine rice and stir-fry for a few minutes until it’s lightly toasted. Transfer the rice to a rice cooker or pot, and add 1 teaspoon of salt along with 600 milliliters of the chicken broth from the cooking pot. Cook the rice according to the rice cooker’s instructions or simmer it on low heat until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken by rubbing it with a little salt. Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Let it cool for a moment, then slice the chicken into thin pieces.
- Serve the fragrant Hainan Chicken Rice on a plate with the sliced chicken, cucumber slices, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Provide soy sauce, chili sauce, or ginger sauce as condiments on the side.
Enjoy the delicious Hainan Chicken Rice made right in the comfort of your own kitchen!
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