Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe

Learn how to make the classic and authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice at home. This flavorful dish features poached chicken served on fragrant rice, accompanied by a selection of delicious sauces and garnishes. It is a staple in Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine, and a must-try for any food lover.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 thumbs-sized ginger, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Soy sauce, for serving
• Chili sauce, for serving
• Ginger sauce, for serving

Directions

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the whole chicken, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and place it in a large bowl. Rub the outside of the chicken with sesame oil. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
4. In a separate pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
5. Add the drained rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the garlic and ginger mixture.
6. Transfer the rice to a rice cooker and add 4 cups of chicken stock. Cook according to the rice cooker's instructions.
7. While the rice is cooking, prepare an ice bath for the chicken. Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
8. Once the chicken has cooled for 10 minutes, submerge it in the ice bath for another 10 minutes. This stops the cooking process and helps the chicken retain its tenderness.
9. Remove the chicken from the ice bath and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with sesame oil again for added flavor and shine.
10. Carve the chicken into serving pieces and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with cucumber slices and chopped cilantro.
11. Serve the Hainanese Chicken Rice with the fragrant jasmine rice, soy sauce, chili sauce, and ginger sauce on the side.

Interesting Facts