Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe: A Taste of Singapore

If you're looking for a delicious and iconic dish from Singapore, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a must-try. Known for its fragrant rice, tender poached chicken, and flavorful sauces, this dish is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Follow this easy, step-by-step recipe to recreate this Singaporean classic at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (sliced)
• 5 cloves garlic
• 2 stalks of spring onions (cut into large pieces)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon salt

For the Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 2 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (minced)
• 3 cups chicken stock (from poaching the chicken)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Chili Sauce:

• 4 red chilies (seeded for less heat)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons chicken stock (from poaching the chicken)

For the Soy Sauce Mixture:

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons chicken stock

Garnish:

• Fresh cucumber slices
• Fresh coriander leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

1. Clean the chicken thoroughly and rub it with salt to remove impurities. Rinse well.
2. In a large pot, bring enough water to cover the chicken to a boil. Add ginger, garlic, and spring onions.
3. Submerge the chicken in the boiling water. Reduce to a gentle simmer and poach for 35-40 minutes.
4. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain its tenderness. Brush the chicken with sesame oil and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

1. Wash the rice until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat chicken fat or vegetable oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add the washed rice and stir for 2-3 minutes to coat the grains in oil.
4. Transfer the rice to a rice cooker, add the chicken stock, and season with salt. Cook as per your rice cooker’s instructions.

Step 3: Make the Chili Sauce

1. Blend chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, sugar, and chicken stock until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Prepare the Soy Sauce Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix light soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken stock. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Step 5: Serve

1. Carve the poached chicken into serving pieces.
2. Serve the chicken with fragrant rice, cucumber slices, and a small bowl of chicken stock.
3. Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and garnish with coriander leaves. Provide the chili sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Best Hainanese Chicken Rice

1. Use fresh, free-range chicken for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Save the leftover chicken stock for soups or other recipes.
3. Adjust the chili sauce heat level by varying the amount of chili seeds.

Why Hainanese Chicken Rice is Loved in Singapore

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish that embodies simplicity and balance. The tender chicken, aromatic rice, and flavorful sauces create a harmonious combination that delights the palate. Originating from Hainan, China, it has become a national dish of Singapore, loved for its comfort and versatility.

Whether you're reminiscing about a trip to Singapore or simply exploring global flavors, this recipe brings a taste of Singapore to your kitchen. Enjoy your homemade Hainanese Chicken Rice!

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