Other than laksa noodle, nyonya kuih, and black pepper chili crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved local dish in Singapore known for its tender chicken, fragrant rice, and flavorful accompaniments. Here is a recipe to recreate this classic dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3-4 slices of ginger
- 3-4 stalks of spring onions
- Water (enough to submerge the chicken)
- Ice water (for shocking the chicken)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2-3 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 slices of ginger
- 2 cups chicken broth (reserved from cooking the chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 pandan leaves, knotted (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 4-5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2-3 tablespoons chicken broth
For the Chili Sauce:
- 4-5 red chilies
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons chicken broth
- 2-3 tablespoons lime juice
For the Ginger Sauce:
- 3-4 inches ginger
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons chicken broth
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
1. Clean the chicken thoroughly and rub it with salt to exfoliate the skin. Rinse and set aside.
2. In a large pot, bring enough water to a boil to submerge the chicken. Add ginger slices and spring onions.
3. Lower the chicken into the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken and immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process and tighten the skin. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then remove and drain. Reserve the chicken broth for the rice and sauces.
5. Rub the chicken with sesame oil and let it rest before cutting into serving pieces.
Prepare the Rice:
1. Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. In a large pan, heat the chicken fat or oil. Add minced garlic and ginger slices, and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat the grains with the fragrant oil.
4. Transfer the rice to a rice cooker. Add 2 cups of reserved chicken broth, salt, and pandan leaves (if using). Cook according to the rice cooker instructions.
Prepare the Sauces:
Soy Sauce Mixture:
1. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Chili Sauce:
1. Blend red chilies, garlic, ginger, sugar, salt, chicken broth, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Ginger Sauce:
1. Grate or blend the ginger into a fine paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add the ginger, and sauté until fragrant. Add salt and chicken broth to create a smooth sauce. Set aside.
Serve the Dish:
1. Serve the chicken pieces on a plate, drizzled with the soy sauce mixture.
2. Place a portion of fragrant rice beside the chicken.
3. Serve with chili sauce, ginger sauce, and a side of sliced cucumber.
4. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with a bowl of hot chicken broth.
Which is the Best Restaurant for Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore?
While many establishments serve excellent Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stands out as a top choice.
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Address: Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, # 01-10/11, Singapore 069184
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is often hailed as one of the best places to enjoy this iconic dish. The stall has earned numerous accolades, including praise from celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. The chicken at Tian Tian is poached to perfection, tender and succulent, with a flavorful, gelatinous skin. The rice is fragrant and flavorful, cooked in chicken broth with garlic and ginger, achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture.
Visitors to Maxwell Food Centre often find a queue at Tian Tian, but the wait is well worth it for a taste of this exemplary Hainanese Chicken Rice. The combination of perfectly cooked chicken, aromatic rice, and delicious sauces makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable culinary experience in Singapore.
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