Description

A comforting and aromatic classic, Hainanese Chicken Rice features tender, juicy chicken thighs paired with fluffy jasmine rice infused with ginger, garlic, and scallions. Finished with a rich soy-ginger-scallion sauce, this beloved Asian dish delivers pure comfort and balance in every bite.

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (or skinless for a lighter option)

3 stalks scallion (for broth and sauce)

2 cups white jasmine rice, rinsed

1 piece ginger (sliced or minced)

4 cloves garlic (minced or use garlic powder)

1 medium purple onion (or yellow onion, diced)

1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

2 tbsp vinegar

2 tbsp oil (vegetable or neutral oil)

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for sauce)

Chicken stock (about 3 cups, for cooking rice)

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Instructions

In a large pot, place chicken thighs, chopped scallion pieces, sliced ginger, soy sauce, and vinegar. Cover with cold water and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 17–20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Immediately transfer chicken to an ice bath for a few minutes to maintain tenderness.
For the rice, heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and soft.
Add rinsed jasmine rice and stir to coat each grain with the aromatic oil. Transfer to a rice cooker or continue cooking on the stovetop.
Add chicken stock (1.25–1.5 cups per cup of rice) and cook until the rice is fluffy and fragrant.
For the sauce, place minced garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions in a heatproof bowl. Heat oil in a pan until shimmering and pour it over the aromatics.
Stir in soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well to combine into a fragrant ginger-scallion sauce.
Slice cooled chicken and serve over a bed of rice. Drizzle the ginger-scallion sauce on top and add chili sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner version, but reduce simmering time.

Cook rice using the chicken poaching liquid for maximum flavor.

Store sauce separately and drizzle before serving for the best taste.

Serve with fresh cucumber slices or steamed bok choy for a balanced meal.

To make spicier, add chili garlic paste or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 110mg