Malaysian Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe | Authentic Poached Chicken with Fragrant Rice
Hainanese chicken rice is one of the most beloved dishes in Malaysia. This iconic meal features tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a flavorful chili sauce, ginger paste, and fresh cucumber slices. The chicken is juicy and succulent, while the aromatic rice absorbs the rich flavors of garlic, ginger, and chicken stock, making every bite comforting and delicious.
Popular in restaurants, hawker centers, and family kitchens across Malaysia, Hainanese Chicken Rice is perfect for lunch or dinner. This authentic recipe delivers a balanced meal that's simple, satisfying, and full of traditional Southeast Asian flavors.
Cooking Method
- Bring the water to a boil with ginger, garlic, green onions, and salt.
- Add the whole chicken and simmer gently for 35–40 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and place it in ice water for 5 minutes to keep the skin tender. Set aside.
- Reserve the chicken broth for cooking the rice.
- Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly.
- Heat the chicken fat or oil in a pot and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Blend all the chili sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Chop the chicken into serving pieces.
- Serve the chicken over the fragrant rice with cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and the homemade chili sauce.
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