The Ultimate Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe
Discover the ultimate Hainanese chicken rice recipe, a beloved Southeast Asian classic made with tender poached chicken, fragrant garlic-ginger rice, and savory broth. This comforting, easy-to-make dish brings bold flavors and nourishing simplicity straight to your kitchen.
Equipment
- Rice Cooker
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks approx. 1½ pounds
- 1 dash ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice use the measuring cup that came with your rice cooker
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 0.5 inch fresh ginger cut into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 3 pandan leaves tied into a knot (optional)
- scallions for garnish
- hot sauce recommended: sriracha or sambal oelek for serving
Additional Ingredients
- soy sauce for drizzling
- cucumber slices for serving
- cilantro for garnish
- shallots or fried garlic chips for texture and flavor
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken drumsticks and poach until cooked through, about 30 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. Reserve the poaching liquid as chicken stock.
- In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the aromatic oil.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a rice cooker. Add 3 cups of the reserved chicken stock and pandan leaves. Cook according to rice cooker instructions.
- While the rice is cooking, brush the poached chicken with sesame oil and season with a dash of ground black pepper.
- Once the rice is done, serve it alongside the chicken. Garnish with scallions and serve with hot sauce, soy sauce, cucumber slices, cilantro, fried shallots or garlic chips, and lime wedges as desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite garnishes and sides. The key is in the balance of flavors and the quality of ingredients.
