Craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time? This Hainan chicken rice cooker recipe is your answer! This unbelievably flavorful and tender chicken dish, traditionally a cornerstone of Hainanese cuisine, is surprisingly simple to make at home – and even easier with your trusty rice cooker. Get ready for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken served atop fragrant, fluffy rice, all made in one pot! This recipe makes a fantastic healthy meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat.
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and breasts)
- 4 cups water
- 1 inch ginger, smashed
- 3 scallions, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
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For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth (reserved from cooking the chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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For the Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Scallions, thinly sliced
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Ginger, julienned
Instructions:
Step 1: Cooking the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs, water, ginger, scallions, salt, and white pepper in your rice cooker. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged. Close the lid and cook on the "white rice" setting. Cooking time will vary depending on your rice cooker, but typically it's around 45-60 minutes. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding.
Step 2: Preparing the Rice
After the chicken is cooked, carefully pour out about 1.5 cups of the flavorful chicken broth, reserving it for the rice. Rinse the rice cooker pot thoroughly. Add the rinsed rice, reserved chicken broth, and salt to the pot. Close the lid and cook on the "white rice" setting according to your rice cooker's instructions. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Shredding the Chicken and Serving
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it with two forks. You can leave some larger pieces if you prefer. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the fragrant rice into a bowl, top with the shredded chicken, and garnish with fresh cilantro, scallions, cucumber, and julienned ginger.
Tips for the Best Hainan Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the rice cooker: If you have a smaller rice cooker, consider cooking the chicken and rice separately.
- Use good quality chicken broth: The broth is key to the flavor of the rice!
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest ensures it stays juicy and tender.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt and pepper according to your preference.
Delicious Variations:
- Add aromatics to the rice: Experiment with adding pandan leaves or lemongrass to the rice for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the rice for a spicy kick.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple dipping sauce like soy sauce mixed with ginger and chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal, rich in protein and carbohydrates. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size, but expect around 350-400 calories per serving, with a good source of protein and complex carbohydrates. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
This Hainan chicken rice cooker recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal that will quickly become a family favorite!