This light and nourishing version of a classic dish preserves the succulence of the chicken while reducing excess fats.
It's a wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cleaned
- 4 slices ginger
- 4 stalks green onions, divided
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 stalk green onion, finely chopped
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Boil the Chicken:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the whole chicken, ginger slices, and 2 stalks of green onions. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook the chicken for about 40-50 minutes or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Ice Bath:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and immediately submerge it in an ice bath. This helps to stop the cooking process and results in tender, succulent chicken.
Sesame Oil Rub:
Rub the chicken with sesame oil and a sprinkle of salt. Allow it to air dry or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Rice:
Sauté Garlic:
In a pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add Rice:
Add jasmine rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is coated in the oil.
Cook Rice:
Pour in chicken broth (reserved from cooking the chicken) and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
Mix Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions. Mix well.
Serve:
Slice the Chicken:
Once the chicken has air-dried or chilled, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Plate:
Plate the sliced chicken over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice.
Serve with Dipping Sauce:
Serve the Healthy Hainanese Chicken with the dipping sauce on the side.
Garnish:
Garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired.
Optional Tips:
- Serve with a side of steamed bok choy or other leafy greens for added nutrition.
- Drizzle extra chicken broth over the rice for enhanced flavor.
Conclusion:
Indulge in this nutritious and flavorful rendition of the beloved classic. With succulent chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, and a savory dipping sauce, this dish offers a taste of tradition without compromising on health.
Enjoy the rich aromas and delicate flavors in every bite!