Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe – Asian Special
Hainanese Chicken Rice is an iconic Singapore comfort food featuring juicy poached chicken, aromatic fragrant rice, and a trio of flavorful sauces — chili, soy, and ginger garlic sauce. This authentic recipe captures the essence of Southeast Asian simplicity: perfectly cooked chicken, rice infused with broth and fat, and refreshing sides that balance the dish beautifully. Loved for its clean yet rich flavors, it’s a timeless favorite across Asia.
- Prep Time25 min
- Cook Time45 min
- Total Time1 hr 10 min
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 4 slices ginger
- 3 stalks green onions
- Water (enough to cover the chicken)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 tbsp chicken fat or vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 slices ginger
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (from poaching)
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Dipping Sauces:
- Chili Sauce: Red chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and salt
Soy Sauce Mix:
- Light soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of chicken broth
Ginger Sauce:
- Finely grated ginger with hot oil and salt
For Serving:
- Sliced cucumber
- Fresh cilantro
Hainanese Chicken Rice Instructions:
Rub chicken with salt to remove impurities; rinse well.
In a large pot, bring water, ginger, and green onions to a gentle boil.
Submerge chicken; poach for about 35–40 minutes until cooked through.
Remove chicken, place in ice water to tighten skin, then rest before slicing.
In a pan, sauté garlic and ginger in chicken fat until aromatic.
Add rinsed jasmine rice and stir to coat with fat and aroma.
Pour in hot chicken broth, add salt, and cook until rice is fluffy.
Prepare chili, soy, and ginger sauces separately.
Slice chicken and drizzle with soy-sesame mixture.
Serve with rice, cucumber, cilantro, and sauces on the side.
Recipe Notes :
Poaching Tip: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer — not a rolling boil — to ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Chicken Fat Rice: Cooking the rice in chicken fat adds authentic aroma and rich flavor.
Sauce Trio: The chili, soy, and ginger sauces are essential — each brings balance and depth.
Serving Ideas: Serve with sliced cucumbers, fresh cilantro, and a bowl of clear chicken soup.
Make Ahead: Poach the chicken and prepare sauces in advance; reheat rice gently before serving.
