Hainan Chicken Rice

Irresistible Hainan Chicken Rice with Flavorful Sauces is a beloved dish that hails from the culinary treasure trove of Southeast Asia. This dish features tender, poached chicken served with fragrant rice and paired with a variety of delicious sauces. It’s a harmony of flavors and textures that truly satisfies the palate. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor that this dish offers, making it a perfect choice for both a cozy family dinner and an impressive gathering with friends.

Why Make This Irresistible Hainan Chicken Rice with Flavorful Sauces

Hainan Chicken Rice is a dish that brings joy to many across the globe. The chicken, when poached to perfection, remains succulent and juicy, while the rice absorbs the rich flavors of the chicken broth, making every bite a delight. Not only is this meal comforting and fulfilling, but it also allows for personalization with the accompanying sauces, catering to various taste preferences. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a tangy twist, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, making this dish at home gives you control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring a wholesome meal for your loved ones.

How to Make Irresistible Hainan Chicken Rice with Flavorful Sauces

Crafting this dish requires a little preparation and some patience, but the end result is incredibly rewarding. First, you’ll poach the chicken to achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. While the chicken is cooking, you’ll prepare the rice, ensuring it’s infused with the flavors of the broth. Finally, whip up the flavorful sauces to elevate your dish and make it your own.

Ingredients:

• 3-3.5 pounds small chicken (preferably buddhist-style or organic)
• 1 tablespoon salt (to season the chicken)
• 12-14 cups water (to boil the chicken)
• 4-5 slices ginger (to add aroma to the broth)
• 2 whole scallions (to infuse flavor in the water)
• Ice (for the ice bath)
• 2 ounces chicken fat (extracted from the cavity)
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil (for sautéing garlic)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups uncooked white rice (preferably jasmine)
• Chicken stock (derived from cooking the chicken)
• 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
• 4 inches ginger (roughly chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (for frying)
• 1 pinch salt (to enhance flavor)
• 1/4 cup water (for sauce consistency)
• 1.25 ounces rock sugar (or substitute with 2.5 tbsp granulated sugar)
• 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
• 3 fresh red chilies (medium spice level)
• 1.5 inches ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (juiced from 1/2 lime)
• 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons broth (from boiling the chicken)

Directions:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken with 1 tablespoon of salt. In a large pot, bring 12-14 cups of water to a boil.
2. Once boiling, add the chicken, 4-5 slices of ginger, and 2 whole scallions. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. After cooking, transfer the chicken to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps the meat stay juicy and retain its texture.
4. In a separate pot, heat 1 teaspoon of neutral oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Rinse the rice and add it to the pot with the sautéed garlic, cooking for a couple of minutes. Then, add the chicken stock derived from the cooking liquid, adjusting the seasoning with 2 teaspoons of salt to taste. Cover and cook the rice until fluffy.
6. For the sauces, combine ingredients in separate bowls as per your taste preferences: one sauce with dark soy sauce, minced chili, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and sugar; the other one being tangy with lime juice, rice vinegar, and chicken broth.
7. Once everything is prepped, carve the chicken, arrange it on a plate alongside the fragrant rice, and serve with the delicious sauces.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g

How to Serve Irresistible Hainan Chicken Rice with Flavorful Sauces

Present this dish with an artistic flair! Serve the sliced chicken on a large platter nestled next to a mound of fragrant rice. Drizzle some of the delicious chicken broth over the rice for extra moisture and flavor. Offer the sauces in small bowls for guests to help themselves, adding a personal touch to their plates. Hainan Chicken Rice is perfect for a family dinner, an inviting lunch spread, or festive occasions where guests can gather around and enjoy this sharable dish.

How to Store Irresistible Hainan Chicken Rice with Flavorful Sauces

For any leftovers, allow the chicken and rice to cool before transferring them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the rice seems dry. The sauces can be stored as well; keep them in small containers in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Hainan Chicken Rice with Flavorful Sauces

• Poaching Precision: Keep the heat low while poaching to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
• Fat For Flavor: Use the chicken fat to sauté rice for a rich taste.
• Broth Boost: Always save any leftover broth; it can be a great base for soups or stews.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Version: Add more chilies or a dab of chili paste to the sauces for heat lovers.
• Herbal Twist: Incorporate herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh aroma.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute the chicken with tofu, using vegetable broth for cooking the rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking for even doneness.
• What is the best type of rice to use? Jasmine rice works best for its aroma and fluffiness, but you can use basmati or any other long-grained rice if preferred.
• Can I make this dish in advance? Absolutely! The chicken can be poached and the rice cooked ahead of time; just remember to store them separately and combine them right before serving.

Conclusion

Irresistible Hainan Chicken Rice with Flavorful Sauces is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience full of vibrant flavors. Its simplicity makes it approachable for home cooks, while the opportunity for personalization keeps it exciting. So roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—you’ll create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! Let us know how it goes, and feel free to share your variations. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Hainan Chicken Rice with Flavorful Sauces

---

• Author: acheyakh-mohamed
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A beloved Southeast Asian dish featuring tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice and a variety of delicious sauces.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–3.5 pounds small chicken (preferably buddhist-style or organic)
• 1 tablespoon salt (to season the chicken)
• 12–14 cups water (to boil the chicken)
• 4–5 slices ginger (to add aroma to the broth)
• 2 whole scallions (to infuse flavor in the water)
• Ice (for the ice bath)
• 2 ounces chicken fat (extracted from the cavity)
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil (for sautéing garlic)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups uncooked white rice (preferably jasmine)
• Chicken stock (derived from cooking the chicken)
• 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
• 4 inches ginger (roughly chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (for frying)
• 1 pinch salt (to enhance flavor)
• 1/4 cup water (for sauce consistency)
• 1.25 ounces rock sugar (or substitute with 2.5 tbsp granulated sugar)
• 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
• 3 fresh red chilies (medium spice level)
• 1.5 inches ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (juiced from 1/2 lime)
• 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons broth (from boiling the chicken)

---

Instructions

1. Start by seasoning the chicken with 1 tablespoon of salt. In a large pot, bring 12-14 cups of water to a boil.
2. Once boiling, add the chicken, 4-5 slices of ginger, and 2 whole scallions. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. After cooking, transfer the chicken to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
4. In a separate pot, heat 1 teaspoon of neutral oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Rinse the rice and add it to the pot with the sautéed garlic, cooking for a couple of minutes. Then, add the chicken stock derived from the cooking liquid, adjusting the seasoning with 2 teaspoons of salt to taste. Cover and cook the rice until fluffy.
6. For the sauces, combine ingredients in separate bowls as per your taste preferences, one with dark soy sauce, minced chili, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and sugar; the other being tangy with lime juice, rice vinegar, and chicken broth.
7. Once everything is prepped, carve the chicken, arrange it on a plate alongside the fragrant rice, and serve with the delicious sauces.

Notes

Serve with artistic flair. Drizzle chicken broth over rice for added moisture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Poaching, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Hainan Chicken Rice, Southeast Asian cuisine, comfort food, flavorful sauces