Hainanese Chicken Rice
South Indian • Eggetarian
About Hainanese Chicken Rice
Poached or roasted chicken with fragrant rice, chilli, and ginger sauce
How to Make Hainanese Chicken Rice (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved staple in Singaporean hawker centres and kopitiams, celebrated for its fragrant rice, succulent poached chicken, and vibrant chilli sauce. Rooted in Singapore’s multicultural fusion, this dish was popularised by Chinese immigrant communities and has grown into an icon of local cuisine, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Its clean, delicate flavours and enticing aroma make it a comfort food for many Singaporeans, often served during lunch or special gatherings. The dish’s simplicity is deceptive—each element, from the ginger-infused rice to the tender chicken, is prepared with meticulous care, highlighting the skill of Singaporean hawker chefs. Hainanese Chicken Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience reflecting Singapore’s rich culinary heritage and fusion influences. Opting for a healthier preparation ensures you enjoy all the traditional taste and texture with balanced macros and fewer calories, making it an excellent choice for calorie-conscious foodies.
Ingredients(for 1 plate (rice, 120g chicken, condiments) per person)
- 240g Chicken breast (Boneless, skin removed for lower fat)
- 1 cup Jasmine rice (Fragrant rice preferred in Singapore)
- 30g Ginger (Peeled and sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Crushed)
- 2 stalks Spring onion (Cut into segments)
- 1/2 Cucumber (Sliced for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce (For drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil (Optional for authentic aroma) - optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 2 Red chilli (For chilli sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice (For chilli sauce)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken by placing chicken breast, ginger, garlic, and spring onion in a pot. Cover with water and simmer gently for 12 minutes until cooked through.
12 minutes
Do not over-boil—gentle simmering keeps chicken tender.
- 2
Remove chicken and plunge into ice water for 1 minute to keep it moist. Slice and set aside.
2 minutes
Ice bath locks in juiciness and gives a silky texture.
- 3
Rinse jasmine rice. In a separate pot, sauté 1 clove garlic and 10g ginger in 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional), then add rice and stir for 1 minute. Pour in 2 cups of chicken poaching liquid and cook rice until fluffy.
12 minutes
Using chicken broth infuses rice with authentic flavour.
- 4
Make the chilli sauce: Blend red chilli, remaining garlic, ginger, lime juice, pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons chicken broth until smooth.
3 minutes
Adjust chilli for preferred heat level.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy version of Hainanese Chicken Rice is a smart choice for calorie-conscious eaters, providing high protein for muscle repair and moderate carbs for sustained energy. By using lean chicken breast and reducing added fats, the dish supports weight management and heart health. The use of fresh, natural ingredients boosts vitamin and mineral intake, making it an ideal lunch for those aiming for balanced nutrition without sacrificing authentic Singaporean flavour.
Hainanese Chicken Rice provides a balanced profile of macronutrients: lean protein from chicken breast, complex carbohydrates from jasmine rice, and healthy fats from minimal sesame oil. Ginger and garlic boost immunity and digestion, while cucumber offers hydration and vitamins A and C. The dish is low in saturated fat and cholesterol due to the use of skinless chicken, making it suitable for heart health. The inclusion of fresh herbs and chilli adds antioxidants and micronutrients.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use poaching liquid to cook rice for maximum flavour.
- 💡Tip 2: Plunging chicken into ice water ensures a silky texture.
- 💡Tip 3: Make chilli sauce fresh for vibrant taste and colour.
Storage & Serving
Store cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat gently to preserve moisture. Chilli sauce keeps well refrigerated for 3 days.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 607.0 kcal |
| Protein | 28.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 72.0 g |
| Total Fat | 22.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
