Hainanese Chicken with Jasmine Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice is often served with a side of clear chicken broth from the cooking process and accompanied by cucumber slices.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
• 2 inches ginger, sliced
• 4 stalks green onions, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• Salt, to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 4 cups chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
• 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced

Instructions:

For the Chicken:

1. Clean the Chicken:
   • Clean the chicken, removing any excess fat.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add ginger, green onions (3 stalks), and smashed garlic.
   • Carefully lower the whole chicken into the boiling water, breast side down. Simmer for about 40-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Shock in Ice Water:
   • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. This process helps to tighten the skin.
4. Season the Chicken:
   • Rub the chicken with salt and let it air dry. Optionally, you can brush the skin with sesame oil for added flavor.

For the Rice:

1. Rinse and Drain Rice:
   • Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain.
2. Cook the Rice:
   • In a pot, heat chicken fat or vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
   • Add the drained rice and stir to coat with the oil.
   • Pour in 4 cups of the chicken broth (from cooking the chicken). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked.

For the Dipping Sauce:

1. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, mix together light soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, chopped green onions, and minced ginger.

To Serve:

1. Slice the Chicken:
   • Once the chicken has cooled, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Serve:
   • Serve the sliced chicken over jasmine rice.
   • Drizzle with the dipping sauce and garnish with additional green onions if desired.