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Hainanese Chicken Rice

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Hainanese Chicken Rice is a comforting Southeast Asian dish featuring tender poached chicken, fragrant rice cooked in broth, and bold dipping sauces. It’s a beloved meal known for its balance of flavor, texture, and presentation.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken or 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 3 inches ginger (sliced, divided)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
  • 4 scallions (green onions, divided)
  • 2 cups jasmine or long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth (from poaching)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Cucumber slices (for serving)

For the Chili Sauce:

  • 3 red chilies
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp chicken broth

For the Ginger-Scallion Sauce:

  • 2 inches ginger (grated)
  • 2 scallions (chopped)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp hot oil

Instructions

  1. Rub chicken with salt to exfoliate the skin. Rinse thoroughly.
  2. Place chicken in a large pot with enough water to cover. Add sliced ginger and scallions. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 35–45 minutes until fully cooked.
  3. Transfer chicken to an ice bath. Let cool, then brush with sesame oil.
  4. In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger in oil. Add rinsed rice and stir for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Add 4 cups of poaching broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until rice is cooked (about 15–20 minutes).
  6. For chili sauce: Blend chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, salt, and broth until smooth.
  7. For ginger-scallion sauce: Place grated ginger, chopped scallions, and salt in a bowl. Pour hot oil over the mix and stir.
  8. Chop chicken into serving pieces. Serve with rice, cucumber slices, and dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Use poaching broth for maximum flavor in rice and sauces.
  • For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil before serving.
  • Refrigerate sauces separately and use within 1 week.
  • Serve poaching broth as a light soup alongside the meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/hainanese-chicken-rice/