Instant Pot Hainanese-Style Chicken With Fragrant Rice
This Instant Pot Hainanese-Style Chicken with Fragrant Rice is a delightful one-pot meal that embodies the authentic flavors of Hainanese cuisine. The recipe delivers succulent poached chicken, aromatic steamed rice, flavorful soups, and three irresistible dipping sauces: sweet soy, green onion ginger, and zesty chili lime. This simplified version of a traditional favorite ensures an effortless yet satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Follow the detailed instructions to serve a well-balanced, flavorful experience that brings the essence of Hainanese Chicken Rice to your kitchen.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
peanut oil
7 tablespoons (divided)
green onions
8 stalks (divided)
shallots
2 (roughly chopped)
garlic
2 heads (divided)
ginger
6 tablespoons (divided)
chicken broth
4 cups (none)
coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon (more to taste)
chicken thighs
8 large (skin-on, bone-in)
long-grain rice
2 cups (like Jasmine)
dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
shaoxing wine
2 tablespoons (none)
sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
toasted sesame oil
4 drops (none)
hot sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
lime
1 (juice of)
baby bok choy
5 (sliced)
Instructions
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Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Instant Pot Hainanese-Style Chicken?
It is a simplified one-pot meal version of the traditional dish featuring succulent poached chicken, aromatic rice, soup, and three dipping sauces.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Large skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for the most succulent results.
How long does the chicken cook in the Instant Pot?
The chicken cooks on High Pressure for 8 minutes followed by a Natural Release of 10 to 15 minutes.
Why is an ice bath used for the chicken?
Placing the chicken in an ice bath after cooking stops the cooking process and helps firm up the skin.
What type of rice should I use?
Long-grain Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrance and texture.
How do I prepare the rice before cooking?
Rinse 2 cups of Jasmine rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
How long does the rice take to cook?
The rice cooks on High Pressure for 3 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Natural Release.
What sauces are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes three sauces: Sweet Soy Sauce, Green Onion Ginger Sauce, and Chili Sauce.
What ingredients are in the Sweet Soy Sauce?
It is made by combining dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, sesame oil, and a tablespoon of chicken broth.
How is the Green Onion Ginger Sauce prepared?
Heat peanut oil and pour it over a mixture of minced green onions and grated ginger, then season with salt.
What is in the Chili Sauce?
The Chili Sauce consists of hot sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and a teaspoon of chicken broth.
How do I make the soup component?
Add water to the remaining chicken broth, bring to a boil, and simmer with sliced baby bok choy until tender.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While thighs are recommended for flavor, chicken breast can be used, though cooking times may need adjustment.
What is the purpose of 'Sauté' mode in this recipe?
It is used to brown the aromatics like garlic, ginger, and shallots and to toast the rice before pressure cooking.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What aromatics are used for the poaching broth?
The broth is flavored with green onions, shallots, garlic, and sliced ginger.
Do I need to peel the garlic cloves?
Yes, the recipe requires smashed garlic for the chicken and minced garlic for the rice and chili sauce.
Can I substitute peanut oil?
Yes, you can use any neutral cooking oil if peanut oil is not available.
What can be used instead of Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is a common substitute for Shaoxing wine in the sweet soy sauce.
Is the rice cooked in water or broth?
The rice is cooked in a mixture of 1 cup reserved chicken broth and 1 cup water for extra flavor.
How should I finish the rice after cooking?
Once the pressure is released, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
How do I prepare the baby bok choy?
Slice 5 baby bok choy and cook them in the simmering soup broth until they are tender-crisp.
How much ginger is needed in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of ginger is used, divided across the chicken, rice, and sauces.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, all the main components are prepared sequentially using the Instant Pot.
What is the recommended garnish for the soup?
Thinly sliced green onions are recommended as an optional garnish for the soup.
How is the chicken skin firmed?
After the ice bath, transfer the chicken to a rack to allow the skin to firm up before serving.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe calls for coarse sea salt for the broth.
How much garlic is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 heads of garlic, divided among the different components.
Is the chicken skin removed?
No, the recipe uses skin-on chicken to maintain the traditional texture and flavor.
How should the meal be served?
Present the soup, chicken, sauces, and rice on the table for guests to serve themselves.