Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe

step 1

• STEP 1.1 apply salt over the skin of 1 whole chicken and within the cavity as well. Rub it well and then rinse the chicken under cold running water.

step 2

• STEP 2.2 blanch the chicken to remove impurities, by placing the whole chicken in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the hot water and discard the water.

step 3

• STEP 3.1 fill a pot half full with water and bring it to a boil.

step 4

• STEP 4.2 add 3 ½ inch pieces of ginger, 2 stalks of green onions, 6 whole cloves garlic, 2 tbsp salt.

step 5

• STEP 5.3 then add the blanched chicken into the water. The chicken must be below the level of the water. Bring the water back to a boil.

step 6

• STEP 6.4 cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes on medium to low heat. Turn off the heat. Let the chicken rest in the broth for another half hour.

step 7

• STEP 7.5 then take the chicken out of the pot and let it rest for about 15 minutes on the cutting board before chopping it.

step 8

• STEP 8.6 pour 3 cups of the chicken broth into a bowl, add 1 tsp salt and keep aside.

step 9

• STEP 9.7 for the topping, heat a pan and add 1 tbsp oil, 1 ½ cup minced ginger and fry on medium high till fragrant. Add ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 ½ cup chopped green onion and fry till translucent.

step 10

• STEP 10.8 to make the rice, place 3 cups of washed rice in a rice cooker with the 3 cups of chicken broth kept aside, and 3 washed pandan leaves that have been tied into knots. Turn on the cooker. Once done transfer one portion of rice to a small serving bowl.

step 11

• STEP 11.9 cut the chicken into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter. Spoon the ginger and green onion topping on the chicken.

step 12

• STEP 12.10 serve the chicken along with the hot white rice.