5.0 from 3 votes
Hainan Chicken and Rice
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 Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 2
Calories: 636 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Chinese , Malaysian
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thigh/leg portions
- 2 cups water
- 1 spring onion cut in half lengthways
- 4 lices 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- 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 Information
Calories
636kcal
(32%)
Carbohydrates
79g
(26%)
Protein
29g
(58%)
Fat
21g
(32%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
5g
Monounsaturated Fat
9g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
120mg
(40%)
Sodium
1291mg
(54%)
Potassium
531mg
(15%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
259IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
71mg
(7%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 636
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 636kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 79g | 26% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 1291mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 531mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 259IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 71mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.