One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the comfort of succulent chicken with unforgettable fragrant rice but didn’t fancy using every pot in your kitchen, this One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Inspired by Singapore’s beloved hawker classic, you’ll be amazed at how easy—and rewarding—it is to whip up this legendary dish with just a single pan (and minimal fuss!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly irresistible. Each component here serves a purpose—some add flavor and color, others create that signature tenderness and aroma. Let’s break it down!

• Kosher salt: A gentle rub on the chicken not only seasons it but helps crisp up the skin and keep it juicy.
• Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs: Thighs stay moist and rich, soaking up the gingery broth as they cook with the rice.
• Rendered chicken fat or neutral oil: Chicken fat is a game changer for flavor; if you’re short on time, any neutral cooking oil will work, too!
• Minced ginger: This classic Asian aromatic brings warmth and real depth to the rice.
• Minced garlic: Garlic infuses the dish with that irresistible savory base that pulls all the flavors together.
• Finely diced shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the aromatic trio with a touch of sophistication.
• White jasmine rice: Jasmine rice’s fluffy, floral personality is a must for authentic chicken rice.
• Low sodium chicken stock: Infuses every grain of rice with umami richness and keeps the dish perfectly seasoned.
• Whole green onions: Layered in as the rice cooks, they “perfume” the chicken and provide an essential herbal brightness.
• Thinly sliced green onions (for green onion oil): When kissed with hot oil, these become a fresh, savory drizzle you’ll crave on everything.
• Neutral oil (for green onion oil): Ensures you get that aromatic sizzle without overpowering flavors.
• Salt to taste (for green onion oil): A sprinkle here brings out the punchy, herby notes of the sauce.
• Chili sauce (to serve): Optional, but it adds a zippy, spicy contrast to the gentle rice and chicken.
• Sliced cucumbers (to serve): Crisp, juicy, and the perfect cooling side to this warming meal.

Variations

One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe is delicious in its classic form, but this dish welcomes a little creativity! Feel free to tweak things to fit your pantry, your tastes, and any dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite variations:

• Swap Chicken Thighs for Breast: If you prefer leaner, white meat, boneless skin-on chicken breasts work too—just be careful not to overcook for maximum juiciness.
• Brown Rice Instead of Jasmine: For added nuttiness and extra fiber, brown jasmine rice gives you a heartier (slightly chewier) version—just extend the cooking time and add a splash more stock.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken and stock with meaty oyster mushrooms and robust veggie broth; you’ll still get wonderful savory depth.
• Add Veggies to the Pot: For one-and-done ease, toss in bok choy, snow peas, or baby carrots during the last 5 minutes of steaming for color and crunch.

How to Make One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Salt and Prep the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken thighs a little spa treatment: rub the skin generously with kosher salt. This not only seasons the meat right down to the bone, but also brings out a subtle crispness and helps tighten up the skin for extra juiciness. Set the chicken aside—this brief rest lets the salt work its magic while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

Heat up the chicken fat or neutral oil in your trusty pot or deep pan. Add minced ginger, garlic, and finely diced shallot. Cook, stirring frequently, until they smell absolutely intoxicating and turn lightly golden—this is where the rice gets all its personality! Don’t rush this step; the more aromatic, the better.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Now, stir in your jasmine rice and gently fry it with the aromatics. You want the grains to look glossy and slightly translucent—this gives you that signature fluffy, non-sticky texture. It’s a tiny extra effort that makes a huge difference!

Step 4: Add Stock and Chicken

Pour in the chicken stock and give everything a good stir to combine. Nestle the salted chicken thighs, skin side up, right on top of the rice. Scatter whole green onions across the chicken for an herbal hug—they’ll infuse everything as it cooks.

Step 5: Simmer and Steam

Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. As soon as it starts to simmer, cover tightly and turn the heat down to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 17 minutes, then turn off the heat and let everything rest—lid on!—for another 10 minutes. This final steam is crucial for perfectly plump rice and ultra-tender chicken.

Step 6: Make Green Onion Oil

While the main event is cooking, make the green onion oil magic! Pile your thinly sliced green onions into a heatproof bowl. Heat 1/4 cup of neutral oil in a small pot to about 275°F—just until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully pour the hot oil over the onions (be ready for a gorgeous sizzle!) and stir in a pinch of salt. This vibrant drizzle adds so much character to the finished plate.

Step 7: Slice, Fluff, and Serve

Once the rice has rested, discard the green onions. Remove the chicken, slice it into generous pieces, and return your attention to the rice—fluff it up so the grains separate and soak in that glorious flavor. Serve everything up with sliced cucumbers, a dollop of green onion oil, and chili sauce on the side. Cozy perfection!

How to Serve One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

This One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe absolutely shines with simple garnishes: scattered sliced green onions, a drizzle of homemade green onion oil, and a few glistening slices of cool cucumber. If you love a little heat, spoon on some spicy chili sauce—the punchy contrast is unbeatable!

Side Dishes

Traditionally, a light bowl of clear chicken broth is served alongside for sipping between bites. I also love pairing this with steamed greens like bok choy or a quick pickled radish salad to cut the richness and add a pop of color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can turn this into a standout dinner-party centerpiece by slicing the chicken into elegant strips and fanning it atop a bed of rice, with cucumber and little bowls of sauces orbiting like jewels. Or, for a cozy family dinner, simply pile everything family-style in one big dish—let everyone share, scoop, and slather on green onion oil to their heart’s content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe keep wonderfully! Let everything cool completely, then store chicken and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for easy lunches or next-day dinners with no extra work.

Freezing

Both the chicken and rice can be frozen, either together or separately. Just portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For the fluffiest rice and moistest chicken, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice, cover loosely, and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. The green onion oil can be rewarmed for a few seconds as well, or enjoyed at room temperature for maximum aroma.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the comfort of a beloved classic with just one pot to wash, you have to try this One Pot Hainanese Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and head-turningly delicious with every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new “most requested” dinner! Enjoy, and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!

Print