Singaporean Hainanese Chicken Rice with Ginger-Soy Sauce

Singaporean cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors and nutritious options, offering a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian culinary traditions. One iconic and healthy lunch dish that truly captures the essence of this cuisine is Hainanese Chicken Rice. This beloved dish features tender, juicy poached chicken served alongside fragrant rice that’s been cooked in a flavorful broth made from chicken stock, garlic, and ginger, giving the rice a rich, savory taste. The meal is accompanied by fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch, a tangy chili sauce that adds a hint of heat, and a soy-based dipping sauce that enhances the dish’s complexity.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice is not only a feast for the senses but also packed with essential nutrients. The chicken provides lean protein, while the rice, infused with nutrient-rich broth, offers both flavor and energy. The cucumbers contribute hydration and vitamins, and the light sauces add healthy fats and antioxidants, making this a truly balanced meal. Follow this recipe to bring the wholesome and flavorful experience of Singaporean lunch to your table, whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests with an authentic, nutritious dish.

Singaporean Hainanese Chicken Rice with Ginger-Soy Sauce

Recipe by Laica LimCourse: Lunch/Dinner

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients for Hainanese Chicken Rice

• For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)

• 5 slices of ginger

• 4 cloves of garlic, smashed

• 4 green onions, tied in a knot

• Salt to taste

• Ice water

• Ginger-Soy Sauce

• The Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed

• 3 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 slices ginger

• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Chili Sauce:

• 3 red chilies, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1-inch piece of ginger

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Salt to taste

• Garnish:

• Fresh cucumber slices

• Fresh cilantro

Directions for Hainanese Chicken Rice

• Step-by-Step Instructions:
• Prepare the Chicken:
  First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Then, add ginger slices, garlic, green onions, and salt.
• Next, carefully lower the chicken into the boiling water. After that, reduce the heat to a simmer and poach the chicken for about 45 minutes, or until fully cooked.
• Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and keep the meat tender. Let it cool for 15 minutes, then remove and pat dry.
• Prepare the Rice
• Meanwhile, heat the chicken fat or vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger slices, and sauté until fragrant.
• Next, add the rinsed jasmine rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the aromatic oil.
• After that, pour in the chicken broth and add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
• Make the Chili Sauce
• In the meantime, in a blender or food processor, combine the red chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Assemble the Dish
• Finally, cut the cooled chicken into serving pieces.
• Serve the chicken over a bed of fragrant rice, garnished with fresh cucumber slices and cilantro.
• Lastly, drizzle with the chili sauce or serve it on the side.

Things You Might Not Know About the Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe:

1. Chicken Poaching Technique: The chicken is poached at a low temperature, and after cooking, it’s immediately plunged into an ice bath. This method ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender while giving it a smooth, silky skin.
2. Fragrant Rice Secret: The rice isn’t just cooked in plain water—it’s prepared using the chicken broth along with ginger, garlic, and pandan leaves to infuse deep, aromatic flavors.
3. Pandan Leaves: These fragrant leaves are often added to the rice to enhance its flavor and aroma, giving the dish an authentic Southeast Asian touch.
4. Chili Sauce Special: The tangy chili sauce that accompanies the dish is a carefully balanced mix of red chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and a bit of chicken stock, offering a spicy yet refreshing kick.
5. Customizable Garnishes: While cucumber slices are common, the dish can be garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or served with pickled vegetables to add extra crunch and flavor.
6. Healthier than It Looks: Despite being a comfort food, the dish is relatively low in fat, thanks to the poaching method. The chicken skin can be removed for an even leaner version, while the broth-based rice adds nutritional depth without excess oil.
7. Origin Story: Hainanese Chicken Rice, though popularized in Singapore, has its roots in Hainan, China. The Singaporean version, however, has evolved into its own unique style, especially with the sauces and accompaniments.
8. Double Boiling the Broth: In traditional recipes, the chicken broth used for cooking the rice and serving as a soup is often double boiled to concentrate its flavor. This slow-cooking method enhances the broth’s richness and nutritional value, making it both flavorful and packed with nutrients like collagen and minerals from the chicken bones.

These facts highlight the care and detail that goes into making this iconic dish, showcasing its rich flavors and health-conscious preparation.

Conclusion:

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a nutritious and flavorful lunch option that brings the authentic essence of Singaporean cuisine to your table. The tender poached chicken, paired with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, ginger, and garlic, creates a delightful harmony of subtle yet rich flavors. Moreover, it’s rich in lean protein, essential vitamins, and healthy fats from the chicken and accompanying sauces, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal that supports muscle repair and overall health.

Furthermore, Hainanese Chicken Rice offers a satisfying and wholesome meal without compromising on taste. It’s an ideal option for those seeking to enjoy global flavors while maintaining a nutritious diet. If you’re interested in more healthy and delightful recipes, or if you’re looking to enhance your diet with our range of health products, please visit the link provided below for additional resources and inspiration.

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