Hainan Chicken Rice from Yardbird features poached tender chicken served atop fragrant jasmine rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by fresh cucumber slices and a trio of flavorful dipping sauces, presenting a harmonious blend of savory and aromatic elements.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Rice cooker (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Fine mesh strainer
- Serving platter
- Small bowls (for sauces)
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 large knob ginger
- 6 cloves garlic
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2-3 spring onions (scallions)
- 1 cucumber
- Salt
- White pepper
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Red chili
- Lime
- Sugar
- Fish sauce
Your whole chicken should be fresh and about 3-4 lbs to ensure tender poached meat. Jasmine rice is essential for its fragrant aroma, best cooked in chicken broth to enhance the flavor. Fresh ginger, garlic, and spring onions contribute to the rich broth and rice base. Use quality sesame oil and soy sauce to perfect the dipping sauces, balancing the savory and aromatic notes. Hainan Chicken Rice from Yardbird copycat menu relies on these authentic ingredients to deliver its signature taste.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Clean and rinse the whole chicken thoroughly.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Add chicken, a few slices of ginger, and spring onions to the pot.
- Simmer gently, occasionally skimming off foam, until chicken is cooked through (about 40–50 minutes).
- Remove chicken and plunge into ice water to stop cooking and firm up the skin.
- Pat chicken dry and rub lightly with sesame oil; set aside.
- Strain chicken broth and reserve for rice and soup.
- Rinse jasmine rice until the water runs clear.
- In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic and ginger in vegetable oil until fragrant.
- Add rinsed rice and stir to coat with oil and aromatics.
- Transfer rice to rice cooker or saucepan; add reserved chicken broth (use ratio per rice instructions).
- Cook rice until fluffy and aromatic.
- While rice cooks, slice cucumber and arrange on a serving platter.
- Prepare sauces:
- Ginger-scallion: Mince ginger and spring onion; mix with hot oil and salt.
- Chili: Blend red chili, garlic, lime juice, sugar, salt, and some chicken broth.
- Soy: Mix soy sauce with a splash of chicken broth, sugar, and a dash of sesame oil.
- Cut chicken into serving pieces with a sharp knife.
- Arrange chicken and cucumber over rice on platter.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve with prepared sauces in small bowls and a bowl of hot chicken broth on the side.
- Enjoy immediately.
Substitution
Hainan Chicken Rice from Yardbird copycat menu relies on aromatic jasmine rice cooked in rich chicken broth, paired with poached chicken and a variety of dipping sauces. If a whole chicken is unavailable, boneless skin-on chicken thighs can be used as an alternative for quicker cooking while retaining tenderness. When jasmine rice is not accessible, long-grain rice with similar fragrance can substitute, but be cautious with water ratios for optimal texture. Your ginger and garlic should be fresh to maximize flavor infusion during poaching and rice preparation. Adjust salt and soy sauce levels according to personal taste, especially if using pre-salted chicken broth or store-bought sauces.
Tips
You should never skip plunging the cooked chicken into ice water immediately after simmering; this step not only stops the cooking process but also firms up the skin for an ideal texture. When rinsing jasmine rice, continue washing until the water runs completely clear to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, non-sticky rice. Using the reserved chicken broth for cooking the rice intensifies flavor, so measure carefully to maintain the correct liquid-to-rice ratio for perfect results. Remember to use a sharp chef's knife to carve the chicken neatly, preserving the tender, moist meat and avoiding shredding.
Nutritions
Hainan Chicken Rice delivers a balanced nutritional profile with lean poached chicken providing high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and immune function. The jasmine rice, cooked in nutrient-rich chicken broth, offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and additional minerals like sodium and potassium. Fresh cucumber slices contribute hydration and dietary fiber, supporting digestive health. Your meal also includes healthy fats from sesame oil and antioxidants from ginger and garlic, enhancing both flavor and health benefits.
Storage
Store leftover Hainan Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Separate the chicken, rice, and sauces to avoid sogginess, reheating the chicken and rice gently with a splash of reserved chicken broth to retain moisture and flavor. Your cucumber slices should be stored separately in a sealed container to stay crisp and fresh.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace the whole chicken with bone-in chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time while retaining rich flavor. Substitute basmati rice for jasmine rice to introduce a nutty aroma to complement the chicken broth. Instead of poaching, try roasting the chicken with a ginger and garlic marinade to develop a crispy skin and deeper taste. For a lighter sauce option, blend fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and minced red chili for a tangy dipping sauce that balances the dish beautifully.
Allergies
Hainan Chicken Rice contains several common allergens, including soy from the soy sauce and fish sauce, which may trigger reactions in those with soy or seafood allergies. Sesame oil is another potential allergen that could affect individuals sensitive to sesame seeds. Ensure you check the ingredient list carefully if you have any food allergies to keep your meal safe and enjoyable.
Why this recipe?
Hainan Chicken Rice at Yardbird restaurant is celebrated for its perfectly poached chicken, flavorful fragrant rice, and homemade dipping sauces that highlight authentic Southeast Asian flavors. The dish combines tender, juicy chicken with aromatic rice cooked in rich chicken broth, creating a harmonious balance that food enthusiasts crave. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic comfort food at home, mastering the subtle techniques that yield its signature taste and texture. Your effort to replicate Yardbird's Hainan Chicken Rice brings a satisfying culinary challenge and a delicious reward.