Hainanese Chicken Rice is a classic dish that combines poached chicken and seasoned rice, often accompanied by a flavorful sauce. Here's a simple recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5kg), cleaned
- Salt for rubbing the chicken
- Slices of ginger
- Spring onions
- Water for poaching
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 slices of ginger
- 4 cups chicken broth (from the poached chicken)
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth
- Minced garlic and ginger (optional)
Instructions
Poaching the Chicken:
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Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken inside and out with salt. Stuff the chicken cavity with ginger slices and spring onions.
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Poaching: In a large pot, add enough water to cover the chicken. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the chicken into the pot. Add extra ginger slices to the water. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 40-50 minutes.
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Cooling the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken and immediately plunge it into ice water for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the skin stays firm.
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Carving the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the ice water, pat dry, and carve it into pieces.
Cooking the Rice:
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Prepare the Rice: Wash the jasmine rice until the water runs clear.
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Cooking the Rice: In a separate pot, heat vegetable oil. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the rice and stir for a few minutes. Then add 4 cups of the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked (about 15-20 minutes).
Making the Sauce:
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Combine Ingredients: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and a tablespoon of chicken broth in a bowl. Add minced garlic and ginger for extra flavor if desired.
Serving:
Serve the carved chicken with the seasoned rice. Pour the sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side. Accompany with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for freshness.
Enjoy your Hainanese Chicken Rice!
