Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved national dish of Singapore, celebrated for its fragrant rice, tender poached chicken, and flavorful sauces. To make this authentic dish, start with a whole chicken—rub it with salt to exfoliate the skin, then gently poach it in simmering water infused with ginger, garlic, and green onions. Once cooked, immediately plunge the chicken into an ice bath for that signature silky texture.
Next, use the aromatic poaching broth to cook your jasmine rice. First, sauté minced garlic and ginger in chicken fat or oil, then stir in the rice before adding the broth. This process infuses the rice with deep, savory flavor.
Prepare three essential sauces: a ginger-scallion sauce, a tangy chili-lime sauce, and dark soy sauce. Slice the cooled chicken, serve it over the fragrant rice, and drizzle with the sauces.
Garnish with cucumber slices and fresh cilantro, and serve with a bowl of warm broth on the side. This dish is all about balance—simple yet rich, mild yet savory. With a bit of practice, you can recreate this Singaporean classic in your own kitchen, capturing its heartwarming, authentic taste.
