Hainanese Chicken Rice is a popular dish that originated from Hainan, a province in southern China. This delectable and fragrant dish is loved by many for its simplicity and delicious taste. Traditionally, it is cooked by boiling a whole chicken and then using the flavorful chicken broth to cook the rice. However, with the convenience of modern kitchen appliances, it is now possible to make Hainanese Chicken Rice in a rice cooker, making the cooking process even more effortless. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create this savory dish using a rice cooker.
Ingredients you will need
To make Hainanese Chicken Rice in a rice cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
2. 2 cups of jasmine rice
3. 4 cups of chicken broth
4. 4 cloves of garlic
5. 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
6. 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
7. 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
8. 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
9. 1 cucumber
10. Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the chicken and rice
Washing the chicken
Start by washing the whole chicken thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any debris or impurities from the surface. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Seasoning the chicken
Next, season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and outside. Rub the seasoning into the skin and the cavity of the chicken. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken while it cooks.
Preparing the rice
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove any excess starch from the rice. Drain the rice well and set it aside.
Cooking the chicken
Blanching the chicken
To achieve tender and juicy chicken, blanching is an essential step. Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the whole chicken. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully lower the chicken into the pot. Allow the chicken to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Chicken broth for cooking rice
While the chicken is blanching, you can prepare the chicken broth to cook the rice. In a separate pot, add 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add the chicken broth cube, ginger, and garlic cloves. Allow the broth to simmer for at least 10 minutes. This will infuse the flavors of the ginger and garlic into the broth.
Cooking the chicken
After blanching, remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove any impurities from the surface. Make sure to drain the chicken well.
Steaming the chicken in the rice cooker
Now it’s time to use your rice cooker to cook the chicken. Place the chicken in the rice cooker’s steamer tray. Add water to the rice cooker, enough to create steam without touching the chicken. Cover the rice cooker and let it steam for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can check for doneness by pricking the thickest part of the chicken with a skewer. If the juices run clear, the chicken is ready.
Cooking the rice
Sautéing the rice
To enhance the flavor of the rice, start by sautéing it in a separate pan. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the drained rice and stir-fry it for a couple of minutes until it turns slightly translucent.
Cooking the rice in the rice cooker
Transfer the sautéed rice into the rice cooker. Add the chicken broth, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients well. Close the lid and set the rice cooker to the regular cooking mode. Allow the rice to cook until the rice cooker automatically switches to the “keep warm” mode.
Serving the Hainanese Chicken Rice
Slicing the chicken
Once the chicken and rice are cooked, it’s time to serve the Hainanese Chicken Rice. Start by removing the chicken from the rice cooker and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it has cooled down, slice it into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle some salt on the chicken slices to enhance the flavor.
Plating the dish
To plate the Hainanese Chicken Rice, place a generous portion of rice on a plate. Arrange the chicken slices on top of the rice. Garnish with cucumber slices for a refreshing touch. The cucumber not only adds color to the dish but also helps to balance the rich flavors of the chicken and rice.
A flavorful and effortless dish
Making Hainanese Chicken Rice in a rice cooker may not be the traditional method, but it is undoubtedly a convenient and time-saving way to prepare this delicious dish. By using a rice cooker, you can achieve tender and flavorful chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a delightful meal that will impress your family and friends. So, don’t hesitate to give this savory and effortless recipe a try, and enjoy the flavors of Hainanese Chicken Rice in the comfort of your own home.