If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both soul-satisfying and fuss-free, One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice absolutely delivers. This dish takes the classic, beloved flavors of Southeast Asia’s famous chicken rice and streamlines them into a single pot, infusing every grain with aromatic garlic, ginger, and rich chicken essence. The result? Incredibly tender chicken, fluffy, flavorful rice, and tangy dipping sauces that make every bite sing — all while leaving you with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice is the dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice so magical is how such simple, fresh ingredients join together to create something irresistibly delicious. Each component is chosen for a reason, whether it’s to add fragrance, umami, tenderness, or a punch of color to your final masterpiece.
- Whole chicken: Using a whole chicken ensures juicy, succulent meat and turns the rice unbelievably savory.
- Salt: Essential for exfoliating the skin before cooking and seasoning inside and out, this simple step amps up both texture and taste.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle before cooking infuses the bird and rice with irresistibly nutty depth.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it perfect for getting the aromatics sizzling.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic wakes up the dish with earthy, pungent aroma in every spoonful.
- Fresh ginger: Sliced and sautéed, ginger gives the rice and chicken their signature warmth and zing.
- Jasmine rice: Soft, lightly perfumed, and ideal for soaking up all those flavorful juices.
- Chicken broth: Rich, full-bodied broth is the secret behind mouthwatering rice and juicy chicken.
- Green onion: Tossed on top to infuse freshness, and doubled as a garnish if you wish.
- Cucumber: Cool, crunchy slices add a refreshing contrast to the savory main affair.
- Fresh cilantro: Just a sprinkle gives bright color and a hint of citrusy flavor in every bite.
- For the dipping sauces: Ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, soy sauce, chili sauce, and lime juice create customizable, must-have condiments for every table.
How to Make One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Maximum Juiciness
Start by giving your chicken some love! Clean it thoroughly, then grab a generous handful of salt and gently rub it all over the skin — almost like giving it a spa-level exfoliation. This step not only removes impurities but also results in skin that’s clean and ready to soak in flavor. Rinse the chicken well and pat it dry. Rub the skin with aromatic sesame oil, giving it a gorgeous shine, then sprinkle a pinch of salt inside the cavity for extra seasoning.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Rice
In your favorite large pot or Dutch oven, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and sliced ginger. Let them sizzle until that heady aroma fills your kitchen and the garlic turns just a hint golden. Now, add your well-rinsed jasmine rice and stir everything together for two to three magical minutes — this step ensures each grain gets toasted and mingles with the aromatics for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Layer and Simmer
Gently set your beautifully prepped chicken, breast side up, right on top of the rice. Pour in enough chicken broth to just cover the rice by about half an inch. This is where the magic happens: as the chicken cooks, its juices seep down into the rice, transforming it from ordinary to unforgettable. Lay your green onions on top, then cover and let it all simmer gently over medium-low heat. In about 40 to 45 minutes, you’ll have succulent chicken and perfectly cooked rice infused with every bit of those savory, aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Chop, Fluff, and Sauce It Up
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it rest for at least ten minutes — this is key for crazy-juicy meat. While you wait, fluff the rice with a fork to release steam and separate those gorgeous, fragrant grains. When ready, chop the chicken into serving pieces, arrange beautifully over the rice, and get your garnishes ready. Don’t forget to whip up the classic dipping sauces by mixing ginger, garlic, soy sauce, chili sauce, and lime juice for tangy, customizable perfection!
How to Serve One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
A little garnish makes One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice not only photogenic but extra delicious! Generously top your platters with fresh cilantro and tender green onion, then add slices of cool cucumber for a refreshing, crisp finish. Each bite bursts with color and texture, balancing the rich rice and tender chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
If you want to make this meal feel like a celebration, serve your chicken and rice alongside a bowl of the hot, flavorful broth left in the pot. A quick tossed salad of lettuce or blanched Asian greens tossed in sesame oil is another winning pair, or go traditional with extra spicy chili sauce and ginger dipping oil on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by arranging One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice family-style on a big serving platter, garnished with all the fixings. Or, make it a fun DIY meal: set up bowls of chopped chicken, a pot of rice, various dipping sauces, and all the garnishes for everyone to build their perfect plate. For lunchboxes, layer rice on the bottom, sliced chicken on top, and add a side of cucumber and dipping sauce for a bright, flavor-packed meal anywhere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store the cooled chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to three days, and separating them helps maintain both juicy chicken and fluffy rice texture. Don’t forget to refrigerate any leftover sauces in a small, sealed jar as well!
Freezing
One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice actually freezes surprisingly well. Just portion the chicken and rice into individual freezer-safe containers for quick grab-and-go meals later. It’s best to freeze any broth separately, and dip sauces are best made fresh when you’re ready to serve again.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, gently reheat your rice and chicken in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep things nice and moist. Alternatively, you can steam both over simmering water. Warm your sauces separately before drizzling over the top for that just-cooked, aromatic flavor explosion.
FAQs
What if I can’t find a whole chicken?
No worries! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts. Just arrange them over the rice as you would the whole bird, and adjust cooking time as needed — the final result is still wonderfully flavorful.
Is it important to rinse the rice?
Absolutely. Rinsing the jasmine rice ensures you remove excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming sticky or gummy. The end result: fluffy, distinct grains that are perfect for soaking up all that savory broth and chicken essence.
Can I make this dish in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! Many cooks adapt One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice to modern appliances. Just be sure to adjust the liquid amounts and cooking time for your specific device, as the settings can vary. The flavors will still be authentic and delicious.
What vegetables work well as add-ins?
While classic recipes keep it simple, you can add blanched bok choy, steamed carrots, or snap peas if you’d like more greens. Just add cooked veggies to each plate when serving, rather than into the pot itself, to keep the flavors pure.
Is One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice gluten-free?
Yes, the main dish is naturally gluten-free! Just be mindful to use gluten-free soy sauce for your dipping sauces if you’re serving guests with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about how rewarding it is to gather around the table with One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice — it’s wholesome, incredibly fragrant, and the very definition of comfort. If you’re up for an easy yet impressive dish that will win rave reviews (and requests for seconds), this recipe is one you’ll come back to for special occasions or simple weeknights alike. Give it a try and watch everyone light up with that first, irresistible bite!
Print
One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the flavors of this One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice, a classic Asian dish that combines fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth with tender, succulent chicken. Served with fresh cucumber slices, cilantro, and flavorful dipping sauces, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons salt (for scrubbing and seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover rice)
- 2 stalks green onion
- 1 cucumber, sliced (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the Dipping Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Clean the chicken: Thoroughly clean the chicken, rub skin with salt to exfoliate, rinse, and pat dry.
- Prepare the chicken: Rub chicken lightly with sesame oil and season cavity with a pinch of salt.
- Start cooking: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add rice: Add rinsed jasmine rice and stir to coat with the aromatics. Place the chicken on top of the rice.
- Cook: Add enough chicken broth to cover the rice by about ½ inch. Lay green onions on top. Cover and simmer for 40–45 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes, then chop. Fluff rice and serve with cucumber, cilantro, and dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider poaching the chicken separately in aromatics and using the poaching liquid as the broth for the rice.
- The leftover broth can be served as a soup alongside the meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Simmering
- Cuisine: Singaporean, Malaysian, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (chicken with rice)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
