Chicken Rice with Spicy Sambal
Makan Tengah Hari • Malaysia
How to Make Chicken Rice with Spicy Sambal (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Chicken Rice with Spicy Sambal is a beloved Malaysian lunch staple, celebrated for its aromatic rice, tender poached chicken, and fiery sambal sauce. This dish embodies the multicultural spirit of Malaysia, blending Chinese culinary techniques with Malay ingredients like pandan leaves and lemongrass. The rice is infused with the fragrance of pandan and ginger, while the sambal delivers a punch of heat, creating a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Chicken rice is often enjoyed at hawker stalls and local eateries across Malaysia, making it a truly iconic comfort food. The addition of spicy sambal elevates the dish, appealing to Malaysians’ love for bold, spicy flavors. This healthy version uses lean chicken breast and less oil, making it suitable for calorie-conscious eaters. Ideal for lunch, Chicken Rice with Spicy Sambal is both nourishing and deeply rooted in Malaysian culinary tradition, perfect for those seeking authentic taste with a health-focused approach.
Bahan-bahan(untuk 1 rice bowl with 100g chicken breast and sambal)
- 200g Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup Jasmine rice (or local beras)
- 2 leaves Pandan leaves (tied into knots)
- 2 slices Ginger (fresh, thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (crushed)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass (bruised)
- 1/2 Cucumber (sliced for garnish) - pilihan
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
- 4 Chili (fresh red, for sambal)
- 2 Shallots (for sambal)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice (for sambal)
- 1/2 tsp Belacan (fermented shrimp paste, optional for vegetarians) - pilihan
Arahan
- 1
Rinse the rice until water runs clear. In a rice cooker, add rice, pandan leaves, 1 slice ginger, 1 clove garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add water as per rice cooker instructions. Cook until fluffy.
15 minutes
For extra aroma, add a small piece of lemongrass to the rice.
- 2
Bring a pot of water to boil. Add chicken breast, lemongrass, remaining ginger, and salt. Poach chicken on low heat for 12 minutes, or until cooked through.
12 minutes
Do not overboil; gentle poaching keeps the chicken juicy.
- 3
Once cooked, transfer chicken to a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes. This keeps it tender and moist. Slice chicken before serving.
3 minutes
Ice bath stops the cooking process and gives chicken a silky texture.
- 4
To prepare sambal, blend chili, shallots, 1 clove garlic, belacan (if using), and a pinch of salt until fine. Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan, sauté the paste for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lime juice and cook for another minute.
5 minutes
Adjust chili quantity for desired heat. Leave out belacan for a vegetarian sambal.
Kenapa hidangan ini sihat
Choosing lean chicken breast and steaming the rice with pandan and ginger reduces unnecessary fats, making this a healthier alternative to traditional versions. The homemade sambal is free from added sugars and preservatives. With plenty of flavor from local herbs and spices, you get a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal that supports a balanced diet and fits well into calorie-conscious meal plans.
This Chicken Rice with Spicy Sambal recipe is rich in lean protein from chicken breast, essential for muscle building and repair. Rice provides complex carbohydrates for energy, while fresh sambal delivers antioxidants from chilies, shallots, and lime. Using minimal oil and including cucumber increases the fiber and vitamin content. The dish is naturally low in saturated fats and contains important micronutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
Petua
- 💡Marinate chicken with a dash of white pepper and soy sauce for extra flavor before poaching.
- 💡Use homemade chicken broth instead of plain water for cooking rice for deeper taste.
- 💡Prepare sambal in advance and store for quick meal prep.
Penyimpanan & hidangan
Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Sambal can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Reheat rice and chicken gently before serving.
Paling sesuai dihidang: Lunch
Fakta Nutrisi
| Nutrien | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Tenaga | 620.0 kcal |
