Published Jul 09, 2011 Updated Nov 13, 2024
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice (海南鸡饭) is the comfort food for so many Malaysians and Singaporeans. For many of us, chicken rice is the ultimate comfort food. We grew up enjoying plate after plate, and packet after packet, of this beloved hawker fare, with tender, silky, and smooth poached chicken and a fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and fat. Other than Nasi Lemak, this is another dish that instantly reminds me of home. Originated from Wenchang chicken from Chinese Hainanese cuisine, Hainan Ji Fun is brought over by immigrants from Hainan island in Southern China. The Chinese emigrated en mass to Southeast Asia in the early 1900’s for better future, and they adapted the dish to local tastes, and that’s how our beloved chicken rice was born. In Thailand, there is a similar dish called Khao Man Gai.
The Best Chicken Rice
What makes the ultimate chicken rice? Everyone has their own answer. Some are all about that perfectly seasoned, flavorful and aromatic rice; others focus on the oh-so-tender chicken with silky smooth skin. And for some, it’s all about that spicy, one-of-a-kind chili sauce. Personally, I think it’s whatever makes your tummy happiest! What I can tell you is that this chicken rice recipe is easy enough for regular home cooks. It’s got minimal prep and a few simple steps. Now, I’ll admit the ingredient list looks long, but don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it seems! The good news is that the ingredients are easy to find almost anywhere, and the result? Totally worth it!
Why This Recipe Works
Just like hawker stalls and kopitiam. This recipe tastes just like the ones I’d often have at Malaysian hawker stalls or coffee shops—tender chicken, fragrant rice, and that savory goodness. And the best part? It’s way cheaper to make at home, meaning, you can have a lot of chicken per serving. Easy without compromising on taste. I never compromise on authenticity and good taste when it comes to cooking. Even though this recipe calls for simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have an authentic dish that’s sure to satisfy. The chicken broth is everything. The leftover chicken broth makes a delicious side soup; just garnish with cilantro or chopped scallions, or you may add a few leaves of cabbage. I personally love adding fish balls to my soup, so yummy! Picky eater-friendly. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love this dish, even the pickiest eaters. It’s that good, and you’ll definitely be going back for seconds!
What Goes In Hainanese Chicken Rice
Whole chicken – do not buy cut up chicken quarters or chicken breasts. You want whole chicken, period. Ginger – the secret ingredient for that gingery note to the chicken and broth, which is what makes this dish so aromatic. Scallions Salt – It’s key for seasoning the chicken and making sure the skin turns out gorgeous, smooth and tasty. Oil Shallots and garlic – the aromatics that elevate the flavors of the chicken. Rice – Use a good quality long grain rice; avoid short grain rice as they are too sticky.
Chili Sauce Ingredients
Chili sauce – You can’t have a good dish without the iconic chili sauce. Garlic Ginger Salt Sugar Chicken broth – The base that makes the sauce rich and savory. Be sure to use the broth from cooking the chicken—it gives the chili sauce its authentic flavor. Lime juice – One of the key components, it adds a tangy brightness that gives chili sauce its signature flavor.
Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full details on each ingredient.
Pro Tip: Secrets To Perfect Chicken Rice
I always use a fresh, whole chicken because it gives the best flavor and makes the broth super rich. Plus, the chicken stays nice and tender. Once the chicken’s in the pot, I lower the heat to a simmer. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender without making it tough. After cooking, I plunge the chicken into cold water for 10 minutes. This helps the skin firm up and keeps the chicken moist. I never throw away the chicken broth! I use it to cook the rice and make the chili sauce. It’s the secret to making both the rice and chili sauce taste just like the real deal.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Malaysian Recipes You Might Like
Claypot Chicken Rice Nasi Lemak Nasi Ulam
