Main dish

Singaporean Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a popular Singaporean dish featuring poached chicken with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. It's served with ginger, chili, and soy sauces for a flavorful combination, perfect for a satisfying and balanced meal.

To recipe
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Recipe insights & TIPS
Singaporean Hainanese Chicken Rice with fresh cucumber and chili sauce

Authentic Singaporean Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved Singaporean dish known for its tender poached chicken and fragrant rice. The chicken is poached with ginger and garlic, resulting in juicy meat that pairs perfectly with rice cooked in rich chicken broth, creating a comforting, savory meal.

The key to this recipe is the rice, which absorbs the flavors from the broth, ginger, and garlic, making it aromatic and flavorful. The dish is often served with fresh cucumber slices and a variety of sauces, including soy sauce, chili sauce, and ginger garlic sauce.

This dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it a popular comfort food in Singaporean cuisine. Whether for a family meal or a special occasion, Hainanese Chicken Rice delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for anyone interested in Asian cuisine.

Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice with soy sauce and ginger garlic sauce

FAQs for Singaporean Hainanese Chicken Rice

1. What makes Hainanese Chicken Rice special?
Hainanese Chicken Rice stands out for its tender poached chicken and rice cooked in chicken broth, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish.

2. How do I cook the rice for Hainanese Chicken Rice?
The rice is sautéed with garlic and ginger, then cooked in chicken broth for a rich and fragrant flavor.

3. What sauces are served with Hainanese Chicken Rice?
Common sauces include soy sauce, chili sauce, and ginger garlic sauce, offering a balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors.

4. Can I use boneless chicken for Hainanese Chicken Rice?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but poaching a whole chicken enhances the flavor and provides broth for the rice.

5. How do I store leftovers of Hainanese Chicken Rice?
Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Love this recipe?

Make meal planning easier with our new meal planner.

Save hours on meal planning
Smart grocery lists
500+ curated recipes
Print to PDF
A white, fluffy chef's hat with an orange band, logo of Foodness Gracious.

Recipe

Enjoy this authentic Singaporean Hainanese Chicken Rice, featuring tender poached chicken, fragrant rice, and a flavorful dipping sauce.

Course:
Main dish
COOKing TIME:
60 minutes
Total TIME:
80 minutes
CUISINE:
Asian
PREP TIME:
20 minutes
SERVINGS:
4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
  • 4 slices fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp salt

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 2 tbsp chicken fat or vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 slices fresh ginger
  • 2 cups chicken broth (from poaching the chicken)

For the Sauces:

  • Soy sauce for drizzling
  • Chili sauce
  • Ginger garlic dipping sauce

For Garnishing (Optional):

  • Fresh cucumber slices
  • Fresh cilantro leaves

Ingredient Swaps

  • Use tofu or seitan for a vegetarian option.
  • Replace jasmine rice with brown rice for a healthier twist.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean the whole chicken and rub it with salt. In a large pot, bring water to a boil with ginger slices and garlic. Submerge the chicken in the water, reduce to a simmer, and poach for about 40-45 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside. Reserve the broth for cooking the rice.
  2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, heat the chicken fat or oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
  3. Serve: Chop the poached chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve over a bed of fragrant rice with a side of cucumber slices, cilantro, and your choice of dipping sauces (soy sauce, chili sauce, or ginger garlic sauce). Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Hainanese Chicken Rice!
A white, fluffy chef's hat with an orange band, logo of Foodness Gracious.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @foodnessgracious on Instagram and hashtag it #foodnessgracious so we can see all the deliciousness!