Hainan Chicken and Rice

A plate of Hainan Chicken Rice with chopsticks. Featuring poached chicken, rice with specks of chicken skin, chopped cucumber and a sprig of cilantro. A small bowl of soup and an asian spoon sits to the side along with two condiments of chilli sauce and a ginger scallion sauce.

5 from 1 vote

A Malaysian twist on classic Chinese Hainan Chicken Rice, it's my go-to! Light, vibrant, and flavourful—a juicy, healthy, hearty delight in every bite!

Prep Time10

Cook Time50

Total Time1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese, Malaysian

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings:

Calories: 636kcal

Author: Lee

Ingredients

2 chicken thigh/leg portions
2 cups water
1 spring onion cut in half lengthways
4 slices fresh ginger
2 garlic clove
1 star anise
1 tsp salt
1 cup jasmine rice
1/2 English cucumber cut into slices or batons
Ginger scallion sauce see recipe

Instructions

Trim excess fat and skin from chicken pieces. Chop into small pieces.
Simmer chicken with spring onion, ginger, garlic, and star anise for 10 mins. Let it rest for 15 mins.
Cool chicken in ice water.
Drain the poaching liquid, discard ginger, garlic, and star anise.
Crisp up chicken skin in a pan over a moderate heat for about 5-10 minutes.
Add rice to the pan, stir, and pour in 2 cups of the chicken poaching liquid. Cook on low heat, covered for 12-14 mins.
Rest covered with a tea towel and the lid back on for 15 mins, then fluff with a fork.
Heat remaining broth, add chopped spring onion, and pour into bowls.
Cleaver the chicken through the bone or strip by hand. Serve with rice, cucumber, and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve the soup on the side.

Notes

Serving & Storage Recommendations

Serving - Hainan Chicken Rice is usually presented as shown above. Enjoy chicken, rice, crunchy vegetables, accompanied by a side bowl of broth, ginger sauce, and chilli sauce as condiments.
Skin on/Skin off? - Traditionally, chicken is served cold with skin on, but some may dislike its soft, jelly-like texture. Feel free to remove it.
Cook in advance - Prepare all elements ahead; refrigerate for up to 3 days. Chicken is served cold, while rice and broth can be reheated in the microwave.
Meal prep - Serve chicken, rice, salad & condiments (excluding soup) at room temperature for a convenient meal prep option.
Leftovers - Store well-covered leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing - Not ideal for freezing due to potential loss of freshness.

Nutrition