Hainan Chicken Rice

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Hainan Chicken Rice, a fragrant and satisfying classic that's beloved across Southeast Asia. This recipe features tender, poached whole chicken infused with the warm, aromatic essence of ginger and scallions, paired perfectly with fluffy, flavorful jasmine rice cooked in rich chicken broth. The dish is elevated with a trio of condiments: a zesty chili sauce, a savory soy-sesame glaze, and a bright, tangy ginger dressing. Ideal for home cooks looking to master an authentic taste of Hainanese cuisine, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of simplicity and flavor. Serve it as a wholesome meal alongside fresh cucumber slices and garnish with additional scallions for a restaurant-style presentation. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this Hainan Chicken Rice recipe brings together tradition and taste in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 2-3 kg Whole chicken
• 3 tablespoons Salt
• 100 grams Ginger
• 6 Scallions
• 3 cups Long-grain jasmine rice
• 6 cups Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 2 Red chili

Directions

Step 1

Clean the chicken thoroughly and rub it with 2 tablespoons of salt, both inside and out. Rinse with water to remove excess salt.

Step 2

In a large pot, add enough water to submerge the whole chicken. Add half of the ginger and all the scallions (smashed) to the pot. Bring water to a boil.

Step 3

Once boiling, gently lower the chicken into the water and let it return to a gentle boil. Simmer for about 45 minutes, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.

Step 4

Once cooked, remove the chicken and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water. This helps keep the skin tender. Remove after 10 minutes and pat dry.

Step 5

Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and soy sauce mixture, then set aside while preparing the rice.

Step 6

In another pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and the remaining ginger (minced), and sauté until fragrant.

Step 7

Rinse the jasmine rice with water until the water runs clear. Add the rice to the pot with garlic and ginger, stirring for a couple of minutes to coat with oil.

Step 8

Add 6 cups of chicken broth (from the poached chicken) to the rice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 9

For the chili sauce, finely chop the red chilies and mix with 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a little water.

Step 10

For the ginger dressing, grate some ginger finely and mix with the remaining equal parts of sesame oil and rice vinegar. Season with salt to taste.

Step 11

Carve the chicken into serving pieces and serve alongside the flavorful rice, with ginger dressing and chili sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	5003.8 grams (5003.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1989

Total Fat 77.70g	100%
Saturated Fat 13.90g	70%
Polyunsaturated Fat 28.50g
Cholesterol 188mg	63%
Sodium 25963mg	1129%
Total Carbohydrate 236.80g	86%
Dietary Fiber 8.90g	32%
Total Sugars 11.40g
Protein 94.60g	189%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 347mg	27%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 3131mg	67%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.5%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 46.8%