Discover the magic of simplicity with this delicious One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s a cozy, flavorful meal that brings the comforts of traditional Asian cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, this one-pot wonder offers the irresistible combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and flavorful condiments.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Cleanup: Being a one-pot recipe, it means less mess and stress in the kitchen.
- Authentic Flavor: The ginger, garlic, and shallots infuse the rice, creating layers of flavor that are simply divine.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for any meal of the day or occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a comforting weekend lunch.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Balanced with protein, carbs, and veggies, this dish fills you up without weighing you down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe relies on simple yet impactful ingredients that each play a distinct role. From the fragrant spice duo of ginger and garlic to the flavorful chicken thighs, each ingredient contributes to the delightful taste and texture of the dish.
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skin-on thighs for the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma and sticky texture make it a staple in this recipe, holding the flavors beautifully.
- Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for infusing the rice with a traditional Hainanese essence.
- Chicken Stock: Provides depth and richness to the rice, ensuring it is both flavorful and moist.
- Green Onions: Used twice in the recipe, they add a fresh pep both during cooking and as a garnish.
- Neutral Oil: Essential for making the green onion oil, it helps to extract and carry flavors from the green onion.
Variations
The beauty of this One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe lies not just in its simplicity but also in how easily you can customize it. Whether you’re adapting to dietary restrictions or exploring new flavors, this recipe is your canvas.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace chicken thighs with a hearty vegetable like mushrooms and use vegetable stock.
- Spice it Up: Add a touch of sambal oelek or sriracha to the marinade for extra heat and flavor.
- Brown Rice Alternative: For a healthier twist, substitute jasmine rice with brown rice, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lime over the rice just before serving for a fresh, zesty finish.
How to Make One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Rub the chicken skin with kosher salt to season and draw out flavors. Heat the chicken fat or neutral oil in your pot until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot to sear, allowing the skin to become a beautiful golden brown. This step is crucial for rendering the fat which will flavor the rice.
Step 2: Build Flavors with the Aromatics
Add the minced ginger, garlic, and shallot to the pot, stirring until they release their intoxicating aroma. This forms the flavor base of our recipe. Stir in the jasmine rice to coat it in the aromatic mixture, ensuring each grain has a glossy sheen.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Add the chicken stock and return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up. Place whole green onions on top. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 17 minutes, with steam and time doing their magic to ensure perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken.
Step 4: Rest and Finish
After cooking, turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 10 minutes—you’ll want the rice to steam and absorb any remaining flavors. Meanwhile, prepare your green onion oil by heating neutral oil and pouring it carefully over sliced green onions to create a vibrant, aromatic finish for the dish.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Rice Rinsing Secret: Rinse your jasmine rice thoroughly to remove excess starch which can cause it to be overly sticky.
- Skin-On Benefits: Leaving the skin on the chicken helps lock in moisture and adds flavor to the rice.
- Resting Magic: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking ensures the rice absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
- Oil Temperature Accuracy: Heat your oil to exactly 275°F for the green onion oil to ensure it brings out the best flavors without burning.
How to Serve One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A classic complement to the One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe is sliced cucumbers, adding a refreshing crunch. Sprinkle with fresh green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color. A drizzle of soy sauce or a spoonful of green onion oil can elevate its taste even further.
Side Dishes
This dish is ideal for pairing with simple, crisp side dishes. Consider serving it with a light miso soup, a side salad with sesame dressing, or some blanched greens like bok choy or broccoli drizzled with garlic sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique presentation, serve your One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe in bamboo baskets lined with banana leaves. This not only highlights the dish’s Asian heritage but also adds a rustic touch to your dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the rice is completely cooled before sealing to prevent it from becoming overly soggy.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions of this recipe. Allow the rice and chicken to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice to prevent it from drying out and microwave on medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop by adding a splash of chicken stock for moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can, but chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness and flavor. If using breasts, monitor the cooking time to avoid dryness.
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Is it necessary to use jasmine rice?
Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrance and texture, but you can use other rice varieties if necessary. Adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time if using a different type.
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What if I don’t have green onions?
You can use chives or leeks as an alternative to green onions. They will still provide that lovely oniony taste needed for the oil.
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Can this recipe be made stovetop only?
Yes, it’s designed for stovetop cooking. Just ensure you have a pot with a tight-fitting lid to properly steam the chicken and rice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a taste-packed yet simple dish, give this One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe a try. It’s a perfect blend of flavor and convenience, and it sure to become a favorite. There’s something truly satisfying about creating such an aromatic delight in just one pot. Enjoy!
Print
One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful, comforting dish where tender chicken thighs are cooked together with fragrant jasmine rice and aromatic ginger, garlic, and shallots. Topped with a vibrant green onion oil and served with chili sauce and fresh cucumbers, it offers a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines savory and fresh flavors in one simple, hearty dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Rice
1/2 tsp kosher salt
4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp rendered chicken fat or neutral oil
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 clove garlic minced
1/2 small shallot finely diced
1 cup white jasmine rice
1 cup chicken stock low sodium
2 green onions whole
Green Onion Oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup neutral oil
Salt to taste
To Serve
Chili sauce
Sliced cucumbers
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken skin with the kosher salt and set aside to enhance flavor. In a large pot or deep skillet with a lid, heat the rendered chicken fat or neutral oil over medium heat. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and shallot, cooking until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Aromatics and Rice: Stir in the jasmine rice and fry gently until the grains are glossy and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock, then place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin side up, into the pot. Add the whole green onions on top.
- Simmer the Chicken and Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 17 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Prepare Green Onion Oil: Turn off the heat and allow the dish to rest covered for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the neutral oil to 275°F (135°C). Remove from heat, carefully pour it over the sliced green onions in a heatproof bowl to make the green onion oil, then stir in salt to taste.
- Serve: After resting, remove and discard the green onions from the rice. Slice the chicken thighs, fluff the rice with a fork, then serve with sliced cucumbers, a drizzle of green onion oil, and chili sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Adjust the salt and chili sauce to taste according to preference.
- The green onion oil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a flavorful topping for other dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
