Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe – Authentic Singapore Comfort Food
Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe
If comfort food had a passport, it would be Hainanese Chicken Rice — a dish so simple, yet so refined, it’s become the pride of Singapore and Malaysia.
This recipe features poached chicken with silky skin, aromatic rice cooked in chicken fat and broth, and spicy chili sauce with fresh ginger and garlic.
Originating from Hainan, China, and perfected in Singapore, this dish is the ultimate balance of texture, aroma, and flavor — humble ingredients elevated to pure magic.
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🐔 For the Chicken:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 3–4 lbs (1.5–1.8 kg) | Fresh, skin-on |
| Salt | 1 tbsp | For scrubbing & seasoning |
| Ginger | 4 slices | Adds aroma to broth |
| Green onions | 4 stalks | For poaching |
| Water | Enough to cover chicken | ~3 liters |
🍚 For the Fragrant Rice:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jasmine rice | 2 cups | Rinsed until water runs clear |
| Chicken fat or vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | Key for aroma |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | Flavor base |
| Ginger | 3 slices | Adds depth |
| Chicken broth | 2 ½ cups | From poaching liquid |
| Pandan leaves (optional) | 2 | Authentic Singapore touch |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Taste balance |
🌶️ For the Chili-Ginger Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red chili | 4–5 fresh | Adjust heat preference |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Strong base |
| Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece | Fresh, not powdered |
| Lime juice | 2 tbsp | Tang and brightness |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | To balance acidity |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Seasoning |
| Chicken broth | 2 tbsp | Warm, for body |
🍶 For the Soy Drizzle:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Adds umami |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp | Aroma boost |
| Chicken broth | 2 tbsp | Optional for depth |
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rub the chicken all over with salt to exfoliate the skin — this gives it that signature silky smooth texture.
Rinse well under running water.
In a large pot, bring water, ginger, and green onions to a gentle boil.
Lower the heat to a bare simmer, and carefully add the whole chicken, breast-side down.
Simmer gently for 35–40 minutes (don’t boil — slow and steady ensures tenderness).
💡 Chef’s Tip: Rotate the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
Step 2: Chill for Perfect Texture
Once cooked, remove the chicken and immediately submerge it in a large bowl of ice water for 10 minutes.
This stops the cooking, tightens the skin, and locks in the juices — giving you that signature glossy, firm yet tender bite.
After cooling, rub a little sesame oil over the skin to keep it silky and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Fragrant Rice
In a pot or rice cooker, heat chicken fat or oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the rinsed rice, stir to coat grains in aromatic oil.
Pour in chicken broth, add pandan leaves, and season with salt.
Cook as usual — stovetop or rice cooker — until fluffy and fragrant.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Using broth instead of water transforms ordinary rice into the soul of the dish.
Step 4: Blend the Chili-Ginger Sauce
In a blender or mortar & pestle, combine chili, garlic, ginger, lime juice, sugar, salt, and a splash of chicken broth.
Blend until smooth and bright red.
Taste and adjust lime or salt to your liking — it should be spicy, tangy, and sharp.
Step 5: Mix the Soy Drizzle
Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth.
Drizzle lightly over sliced chicken before serving.
Step 6: Serve Like a True Hawker Chef
Chop the cooled chicken into bite-size pieces with a cleaver.
Arrange on a plate, drizzle with soy mixture.
Serve with: A bowl of broth (from the poaching pot)
A mound of fragrant rice
Chili-ginger sauce on the side
Add cucumber slices for freshness and cilantro for garnish.
🍛 What Makes This Dish So Special
| Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| The Chicken | Gently poached, not boiled — stays juicy and tender. |
| The Rice | Cooked in chicken fat and broth — aromatic and flavorful. |
| The Chili Sauce | Adds fiery brightness and acidity. |
| The Soy Drizzle | Brings umami and richness together. |
It’s not just a dish — it’s a complete flavor experience: silky chicken, savory rice, spicy sauce, and comforting broth.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
| Add-on | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cucumber slices | Cool contrast |
| Fried shallots | Crunch and aroma |
| Side of soup | Comforting and light |
| Poached bok choy | Adds greens |
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: 3 days (store chicken and rice separately).
- Freezer: Up to 1 month (rice and broth freeze well).
- Reheat: Steam the chicken gently or warm in broth — never microwave directly!
🧠 Expert Tips for Authentic Flavor
- Use fresh chicken – frozen ones tend to have tougher skin.
- Keep broth at a gentle simmer – never a rolling boil.
- Don’t skip the ice bath – it’s what gives that iconic firm, glossy texture.
- Render your own chicken fat – it makes the rice truly Hainanese.
- Use pandan leaves – their aroma defines Singaporean authenticity.
FAQ
Can I make this with chicken breast only?
Yes, but whole chicken gives richer broth and more flavor.
My chicken skin broke — why?
Water was too hot. Keep it under a gentle simmer, around 180°F (82°C).
Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook the chicken for 15 minutes, quick release, then ice bath immediately.
What rice is best?
Use Thai jasmine rice — light, aromatic, and authentic.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth — the same rice and sauce recipes still shine.
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