Hainan Chicken – What to Know

Hainan chicken rice is a dish of poached chicken and prepared rice with dipping sauce and cucumber garnishes. The dish was made by settlers from Hainan in southern China and came from the Hainanese dish Wenchang chicken. It’s one of the national dishes of Singapore and is generally connected with Singaporean food. 

The dish is seen throughout Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, and is a culinary staple. Below will discuss what’s so special about the dish, including if it’s healthy, how it’s prepared, and the cuisine. By the end, you’ll know what to expect with the dish and where you can get it in Edmonton.

What is so Special About Hainanese Chicken Rice?

The unique nature of the dish comes down to its simplicity. The recipe and methods to make it came to Singapore through a blend of Hainanese and Cantonese cuisine. It packs flavour and has a silky and smooth texture that is recognizable throughout the globe.

The tangy chili sauce and cucumber garnishes compliment the dish, allowing the body to relax as you enjoy such a delightful meal. When the meal is done right, the chicken is tender on top of a rich layer of rice with hints of chicken essence. Furthermore, it’s regarded by many as a taste of Singapore cuisine.

Is Hainan Chicken Healthy?

Hainanese chicken is an exceptionally healthy dish. Its health benefits come from the protein from the chicken, which is poached in nutritious and natural ingredients. It’s balanced with carbs from the rice, making it an even, nutritious feast perfect for anyone looking for a good meal.

Some fat is worth noting from the chicken and oil, but it’s not as significant as other dishes. Overall, it’s a healthy dish that’s easy to cook and consume, hence its popularity. However, all of its health benefits come from how much oil you use and how you prepare it. Thus, be mindful of what recipe you follow.

Is Hainan Chicken Raw?

No, the dish isn’t raw. Many worry that the meat is raw because the chicken is traditionally served cold. That isn’t the case. The chicken is cooked all through; it’s just left out for an extended period until it’s placed in the dish.

With Hainan chicken, the dish is typically boiled in salt water with the unadulterated flavour of the meat. It’s presented with a sauce that can fluctuate from one restaurant or recipe to another. One famous sauce is produced using salt-aged squashed yellow chilies.

What Cuisine is Hainan Chicken?

Hainan chicken is a part of Singapore cuisine and is a national dish for the nation. The food is lighter and less seasoned than that from central Asia. Besides the chicken, seafood prevails on the menu, as prawn, crab, and fish are broadly accessible.

Rice Bowl Deluxe Recipe

As great as a traditional chicken rice dish, many prefer a bowl variation since it’s easier to eat and more customizable. At Rice Bowl Deluxe, we offer a fully customizable menu, including countless chicken bowl options to choose from. Below is an example of a dish you can expect at our restaurant, with some instructions to follow along.

Ingredients

• White Chicken
• Two Cups White Rice
• Two Thumbs of Ginger
• Five Garlic Cloves
• Five Thai Chili’s
• One Cup Cilantro
• Two Tablespoons of Vinegar
• One Tablespoon of Oil
• Garlic
• Salt and Pepper
• Serve with Rice, Veggies and Garnish your Dish with Cilantro

Instructions

1. To start, cook your rice as indicated by your rice instructions.
2. Next, in a pot, boil water (add sufficient water to cover the whole chicken). When boiled, add a sprinkle of salt, then add your chicken. Place in a simmer for about an hour until the chicken is cooked.
3. While your chicken is cooking, make your dipping sauce by mixing ginger, garlic, chili, cilantro, vinegar, oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. When your chicken is prepared, remove it and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, heat your chicken broth and add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add a ¼  cup of the completed broth and blend in with your rice.
7. Assemble the plate by cutting your chicken and presenting it with the rice, digging sauce, and finishing with fresh garlic, cucumbers, and broth.

Hainan Chicken – Conclusion

Hopefully, this article highlighted the vital information related to Hainan chicken. Visit us at Rice Bowl Deluxe if you’re interested in our chicken dishes and extensive menu. We offer a fully customizable menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone to eat, no matter their food preference.