The Rice Meal from Jollibee features flavorful steamed white rice paired with savory fried chicken, accompanied by a side of tangy gravy and fresh tomato dipping sauce, delivering a satisfying and hearty Filipino comfort meal.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Cooking thermometer
- Rice cooker
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Serving plates
- Serving spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Gravy boat/small sauce bowl
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs/1.4-1.8kg), cut into pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ensure the chicken is fresh and properly cut into even pieces to promote uniform cooking and a crispy texture. Use jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and fluffy consistency, essential to replicate the authentic Rice Meal from Jollibee. Fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and garlic are crucial for the dipping sauce and gravy to achieve the right balance of savory and tangy flavors. Maintaining the correct oil temperature with a cooking thermometer is important for perfectly fried chicken without excess grease. Your homemade Rice Meal from Jollibee copycat menu will deliver the same comforting experience with attention to these key ingredient details.
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into serving pieces.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, thyme, and oregano in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then coat with flour mixture.
- Preheat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
- Drain fried chicken on a rack or paper towels.
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Cook rice in rice cooker with 3 cups water.
- Make gravy: Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in butter and olive oil in saucepan.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and soy sauce.
- Season with black pepper and salt; simmer until thickened.
- For tomato dipping sauce: Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar in a mixing bowl; stir well.
- Portion rice onto serving plates.
- Place fried chicken beside rice.
- Pour gravy into a gravy boat or small sauce bowl.
- Serve tomato dipping sauce in a small separate bowl.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over dish if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Rice Meal from Jollibee copycat menu captures the essence of the original with crispy fried chicken, steamed jasmine rice, savory gravy, and a tangy tomato dipping sauce. You can substitute chicken thighs for whole chicken to reduce cooking time while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Jasmine rice may be replaced with basmati or long-grain rice if unavailable, but cooking times and water ratios might vary slightly. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour and cornstarch with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend in the breading mix. Adjust the vinegar and fish sauce in the tomato dipping sauce according to your taste preference to balance its tanginess and umami.
Tips
Ensure your deep fryer oil maintains a steady temperature of 350degF (175degC) for crispy, evenly cooked fried chicken; use a cooking thermometer to avoid undercooking or burning. Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy, non-sticky rice when cooked in your rice cooker. When preparing the gravy, whisk in chicken broth gradually to prevent lumps and simmer until thickened for the perfect consistency. Your tomato dipping sauce needs balancing between vinegar, fish sauce, and sugar to achieve its signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor--adjust seasoning to your taste before serving.
Nutritions
Your Rice Meal from Jollibee provides a balanced combination of macronutrients, with protein from the fried chicken and carbohydrates from the jasmine rice. The dish contains essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin C, sourced from the fresh tomato dipping sauce and herbs. While the frying process adds calories and fat, the use of herbs and spices enhances flavor without additional sodium. This meal offers a satisfying energy boost suitable for lunch or dinner, supporting daily nutritional needs.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours to maintain its crispiness and flavor; consume within 3-4 days. Keep cooked jasmine rice in a sealed container in the refrigerator to prevent moisture loss and avoid contamination, using it within 3-5 days. Store gravy and tomato dipping sauce separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator, using within 2-3 days to preserve freshness and proper taste for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace jasmine rice with garlic fried rice to add a richer, aromatic flavor that complements the fried chicken well. For a healthier twist, bake the chicken instead of deep frying by coating it in the seasoned flour mix and baking at 400degF (200degC) until internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC). Swap the tomato dipping sauce with a spicy mango salsa for a sweet and tangy contrast, using diced mango, red onion, chili, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content in the gravy without compromising the savory depth.
Allergies
Your Rice Meal from Jollibee contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, wheat (from all-purpose flour), and soy (from soy sauce). The dish may also pose a risk for individuals allergic to chicken or fish due to the presence of chicken meat and fish sauce. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it is important to verify with the restaurant or avoid consuming the meal.
Why this recipe?
Rice Meal menu from Jollibee captures the perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying portions that appeal to a wide audience. The combination of signature fried chicken, flavorful gravy, and steamed rice creates a comforting and hearty meal beloved by many. Recreating this iconic dish at home allows you to customize ingredients while enjoying the familiar, crave-worthy taste. Trying the copycat recipe is worth it for the authentic experience and the joy of savoring a popular fast-food favorite made fresh by your own hands.