Discover the authentic taste of Hainanese Chicken Rice, a beloved national dish known for its poached chicken, aromatic rice, and delicious accompaniments. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making tender chicken with a rich, savory flavor, paired with perfectly cooked rice. Serve with zesty chili sauce and smooth ginger paste for an irresistible meal that's both comforting and flavorful. Perfect for home cooks looking to recreate this classic dish from the comfort of their kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)

- 4-5 slices of ginger

- 3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed

- 2-3 stalks of green onions

- Salt, to taste

For the Rice:

- 2 cups jasmine rice

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 3-4 slices of ginger

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 cups chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)

- Salt, to taste

For the Chili Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons chili paste

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the Ginger Paste:

- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

  - Rinse the chicken under cold water and remove any giblets.

  - In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add ginger, garlic, green onions, and salt.

  - Add the chicken to the boiling water, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  - Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Save the broth for cooking the rice.

Cook the Rice:

  - Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

  - In a rice cooker or large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.

  - Add the rice and stir for 2-3 minutes.

  - Pour in 2 cups of the chicken broth and add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and fluffy.

Prepare the Chili Sauce:

  - In a bowl, mix together chili paste, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Make the Ginger Paste:

  - In a small bowl, combine minced ginger, vegetable oil, and salt. Mix well.

5. Assemble and Serve:

  - Carve the cooled chicken into serving pieces.

  - Serve the chicken with a portion of fragrant rice. Drizzle with some of the reserved chicken broth or soy sauce.

  - Add a side of chili sauce and ginger paste for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Enjoy this delightful Hainanese Chicken Rice as a comforting and flavorful meal that captures the essence of traditional cuisine!

Nutritional values

Whole Chicken (about 3-4 pounds):

  - 100g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 80g fat

Benefits: High in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair; provides important nutrients like vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.

Ginger (4-5 slices):

  - 0.2g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, aids digestion, alleviates nausea.

Garlic (3-4 cloves, crushed):

  - 0.6g protein

  - 4g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Immune-boosting, may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Green Onions (2-3 stalks):

  - 0.5g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, supports heart health, adds flavor.

Salt (to taste):

  - Nutritional content varies

Benefits: Essential for electrolyte balance, use in moderation to avoid excess sodium intake.

For the Rice:

Jasmine Rice (2 cups, uncooked):

  - 14g protein

  - 280g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Good source of energy, aromatic flavor, can be a part of a balanced diet when combined with protein and vegetables.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 14g fat

Benefits: Provides healthy fats (depending on the type of oil), supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Ginger (3-4 slices):

  - 0.1g protein

  - 1.5g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, aids digestion.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - 0.3g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Immune-boosting, may improve heart health.

Chicken Broth (2 cups):

  - 2g protein

  - 4g carbohydrates

  - 1g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor and nutrients, low in calories, provides hydration.

Salt (to taste):

  - Nutritional content varies

Benefits: Essential for electrolyte balance, use in moderation.

For the Chili Sauce:

Chili Paste (2 tablespoons):

  - 1g protein

  - 6g carbohydrates

  - 1g fat

Benefits: Adds spicy flavor, may contain antioxidants depending on ingredients.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

  - 2g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds umami flavor, may contain antioxidants.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

  - 0g protein

  - 4g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness, can be adjusted or replaced with alternatives.

Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon):

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds acidity and flavor, low in calories.

Garlic (1 clove, minced):

  - 0.2g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Immune-boosting, supports heart health.

Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced):

  - 0.1g protein

  - 0.5g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, aids digestion.

For the Ginger Paste:

Fresh Ginger (2 tablespoons, minced):

  - Approximately 10 calories

  - 0.2g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, aids digestion.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Approximately 240 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 27g fat

Benefits: Vegetable oil promotes heart health, provides essential fatty acids, and supports skin and hair health.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

  - Approximately 0 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Essential for electrolyte balance, use in moderation.