Chicken Rice

Chicken Rice is a beloved dish that has made its mark across various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia. This dish combines tender chicken with fragrant rice, creating a comforting meal that is both simple and satisfying. With the right ingredients and a bit of love, you can recreate this culinary masterpiece at home. In this article, we will dive deep into the art of preparing Chicken Rice, ensuring that every bite is as flavorful as it is heartwarming.

Why This Chicken Rice Stands Out

What sets this Chicken Rice apart is not just the freshness of the ingredients but also the harmony of flavors. Using a whole free-range organic chicken ensures that the broth is rich and flavorful, while the ginger and scallions elevate the taste profile. The rice is infused with chicken fat and garlic, making it incredibly fragrant and delicious. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort to the soul.

What to Buy

When shopping for your Chicken Rice, here’s a list of ingredients you should gather:

• 1 whole chicken, preferably free-range organic for the best flavor
• 1 small ginger, thumb-sized, cleaned and bruised
• 6 stalks scallion, trimmed and washed
• 3 teaspoons salt for seasoning
• 10 bowls chicken stock, approximately 3 liters/12 cups
• 10 bowls ice cold water, approximately 3 liters/12 cups
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• 4 cloves shallots, finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 cups washed rice
• 2.5 cups + 2 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon garlic and shallot oil
• 70g (2 oz) chicken fat for flavor
• 1.5 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons chicken broth
• 3 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 teaspoons garlic and shallot oil
• 3 tablespoons chili sauce, Huy Fong brand Chili Garlic Sauce
• 15g (0.5 oz) garlic, peeled and grated, or finely minced
• 50g (1.5 oz) ginger, peeled and grated, or finely minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, or to taste
• 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 sprigs cilantro for garnish

Gear Checklist

Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

• Large pot for boiling the chicken
• Sharp knife for chopping ingredients
• Cutting board to keep your workspace organized
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Strainer for draining rice
• Frying pan for sautéing
• Serving dishes for a beautiful presentation

Chicken Rice: From Prep to Plate

Prepare yourself for a delicious adventure as we guide you through the steps to make this Chicken Rice.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot, place the whole chicken, the bruised ginger, and scallions. Add approximately 3 liters of chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the chicken and place it in a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Broth

While your chicken cools, strain the broth from the pot into another container. This will be the base for your rice and a flavorful addition to the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the washed rice to the pot and stir until the rice is coated in the oil and lightly toasted. Pour in 2.5 cups of the chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the chicken fat, garlic and shallot oil, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and additional chicken broth. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

Slice the chicken into serving pieces and arrange it on a plate alongside a generous scoop of fragrant rice. Drizzle the chicken sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with cucumber slices and fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch.

Seasonal Spins

Chicken Rice is versatile and can be adapted for different seasons. Consider these variations:

• Summer: Add fresh mango slices or a spicy mango salsa for a tropical twist.
• Fall: Incorporate roasted pumpkin or butternut squash into the rice for a heartier dish.
• Winter: Serve with a warming ginger and chili broth for a spicier kick.
• Spring: Include fresh herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing burst of flavor.

Common Errors (and Fixes)

Even seasoned cooks can make mistakes. Here are some common errors and how to fix them:

• Dry Rice: If your rice turns out dry, add a bit more chicken broth and let it steam for a few minutes.
• Overcooked Chicken: If your chicken is overcooked, try serving it with a rich sauce to add moisture.
• Flavorless Broth: Enhance the flavor by adding more ginger, garlic, or salt as needed.
• Rice Sticking Together: Rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To keep your Chicken Rice fresh and flavorful:

Store leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice separately. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist during reheating.

Reader Questions

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saver. Simply skip the boiling step and use the pre-cooked chicken to make your meal quicker.

What can I substitute if I can’t find chicken fat?

If chicken fat is unavailable, you can use butter or a neutral oil like canola or avocado oil for cooking the rice, though the flavor may differ slightly.

Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Rice?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time. Just store them separately and reheat them together before serving.

One Pan, More Ideas

If you enjoyed this Chicken Rice recipe, you might also like these other one-pan meal ideas:

• One-Pan Chicken and Rice
• One-Pan Garlic Chicken and Rice
• One-Pan Curry Chickpeas and Rice

Bring It Home

The beauty of Chicken Rice lies not just in its ingredients but in the love and care that goes into making it. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, a cozy dinner, or simply a weeknight meal that brings comfort and joy. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this classic dish. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, and let the aromas of Chicken Rice fill your home with warmth and happiness. Your journey to becoming a Chicken Rice aficionado starts here!

Chicken Rice

This Chicken Rice is a comforting classic! Tender chicken paired with fragrant rice makes for a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole chicken preferably free-range organic
• 1 small ginger thumb-sized, cleaned and bruised
• 6 stalks scallion trimmed and washed
• 3 teaspoons salt for seasoning
• 10 bowls chicken stock approximately 3 liters/12 cups
• 10 bowls ice cold water approximately 3 liters/12 cups
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• 4 cloves shallots finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic finely minced
• 3 cups washed rice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon garlic and shallot oil
• 70 grams chicken fat for flavor
• 1.5 teaspoons salt or to taste
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons chicken broth
• 3 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 teaspoons garlic and shallot oil
• 3 tablespoons chili sauce Huy Fong brand Chili Garlic Sauce
• 15 grams garlic peeled and grated or finely minced
• 50 grams ginger peeled and grated or finely minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lime juice or to taste
• 3 sprigs cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer
• Frying Pan
• Serving dishes

Method

 

1. In a large pot, place the whole chicken, the bruised ginger, and scallions. Add approximately 3 liters of chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the chicken and place it in a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. While your chicken cools, strain the broth from the pot into another container. This will be the base for your rice and a flavorful addition to the dish.
3. In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the washed rice to the pot and stir until the rice is coated in the oil and lightly toasted. Pour in 2.5 cups of the chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
4. In a small bowl, combine the chicken fat, garlic and shallot oil, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and additional chicken broth. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Slice the chicken into serving pieces and arrange it on a plate alongside a generous scoop of fragrant rice. Drizzle the chicken sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with cucumber slices and fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch.

Notes

• Store leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice separately.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a microwave or stovetop.