Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe

Hainan chicken rice is a dish that never fails to impress, known for its tender, juicy chicken and fragrant, flavorful rice. While traditionally poached, this roasted version gives the chicken a crispy golden skin and deeper aroma, making it a perfect twist on the classic.

Pairing the chicken with a perfectly cooked seasoned rice recipe takes the dish to the next level. Each grain is infused with ginger, garlic, and chicken fat, creating a rich, aromatic base that complements the succulent meat beautifully.

For a fun variation, you can even try turning the leftover rice into a quick griddle fried rice recipe. The crispy edges and added flavors make it a delicious way to enjoy every bit of this iconic meal. This dish truly celebrates the harmony between juicy roasted chicken and perfectly seasoned rice, bringing a taste of home into your kitchen.

My Personal Experience With This Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe

As a classically trained chef, I’ve cooked thousands of Hainan chicken dishes, mostly poached. But experimenting with roasting has been a game-changer. I use corn-fed chickens here in the UK, which closely resemble the traditional kampung chickens from Singapore, giving the dish an authentic flavor.

Preparing this dish is a hands-on experience. From carefully exfoliating the chicken skin with salt to blanching and hanging it for a perfect texture, each step requires attention and respect for the ingredients. It’s a process that teaches patience, precision, and appreciation for culinary traditions.

I love how the aromatic rice brings everything together. Rendering chicken skin for fat, blending ginger and garlic, and infusing the rice with these flavors transforms a simple side into a star component of the dish. Every bite is a reminder of the care and love put into cooking.

Ingredients Required for Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice 

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole corn-fed chicken (about 1.5–2 kg)
• 2 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp grated ginger juice
• Juice of 1 lime
• Pinch of five-spice powder
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp maltose

For the Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine rice, washed
• Chicken fat and leftover skin
• 2–3 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece ginger
• 2 pandan leaves
• Salt to taste

For Garnish / Sauce:

• Spring onions
• Fresh coriander
• Cucumber slices
• Optional: ginger-spring onion sauce, chili sauce

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large pot for blanching
2. Meat hooks for hanging chicken
3. Blender for garlic-ginger paste
4. Frying pan or wok
5. Rice cooker or saucepan
6. Tongs, spatula, and carving knife

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 30–40 minutes (plus marinating 1–2 hours)
Cooking time: 25–35 minutes (for chicken), 20 minutes (for rice)
Total time: Approximately 2 hour

Copycat Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice in a delicious way.

Step 1. Prep the Chicken: Remove any excess fat from the cavity and set aside for the rice. Rub the chicken all over with salt to exfoliate the skin, then rinse under lukewarm water and pat dry.

Step 2. Blanch and Hang: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and quickly blanch the chicken to soften the skin. Hang it using meat hooks to let it drip dry, preparing it for marination.

Step 3. Make the Marinade: Combine soy sauce, ginger juice, lime juice, five-spice powder, honey, and maltose in a saucepan. Simmer gently until the mixture is runny and well blended.

Step 4. Baste and Chill: Baste the chicken evenly with the marinade, ensuring full coverage. Place in the fridge for 1–2 hours to let the flavors penetrate.

Step 5. Deep-Fry the Chicke: Carefully deep-fry the chicken until fully cooked and the skin turns crispy golden brown. Use tongs and take precautions with hot oil to avoid splashes.

Step 6. Cook the Rice and Serve: Render the reserved chicken fat and skin in a pan. Sauté blended garlic and ginger in the fat, then coat washed rice with the mixture. Add pandan leaves and cook the rice. Slice the chicken, serve on the aromatic rice, and garnish with spring onions, coriander, and cucumber. Optional: serve with ginger-spring onion sauce or chili sauce.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice 

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice deliciously

1. Classic Style with Ginger-Spring Onion Sauce
From our experience, nothing beats the traditional way. Drizzle the chicken with a fragrant ginger-spring onion sauce, and it instantly elevates the natural flavors. Every bite feels like a trip back to Singapore.

2. With Fresh Cucumber and Coriander
We love adding crisp cucumber slices and fresh coriander on top. The crunch and freshness perfectly balance the rich, juicy chicken and aromatic rice.

3. Chili Lover’s Twist
If you’re like us and enjoy a little heat, serve it with homemade chili sauce. The mild spiciness complements the sweet, savory glaze of the chicken beautifully.

4. Paired with Soy-Vinegar Dipping Sauce
For a tangy kick, mix soy sauce, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. We often dip each bite in this sauce it adds a refreshing layer of flavor.

5. Wrapped in Lettuce Cups
One of our favorite casual serving ideas: slice the chicken and rice, then wrap them in crisp lettuce leaves. It makes for a fun, hand-held way to enjoy the dish.

6. With a Side of Stir-Fried Greens
We often serve ours with bok choy or Chinese broccoli. The greens add color, texture, and a healthy element that balances the richness of the chicken.

7. With a Light Soup
A bowl of clear chicken broth on the side makes the meal feel complete. From our experience, sipping the broth between bites enhances the overall depth of flavor.

8. Garnished with Crispy Fried Shallots
We love sprinkling fried shallots on top. It gives an extra crunch and a caramelized, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and rice.

9. Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables
Tangy pickled carrots, radish, or cucumbers cut through the richness beautifully. We always keep a small plate of pickles ready it brightens every bite.

10. With a Dash of Sesame Oil
A drizzle of toasted sesame oil over the rice adds warmth and aroma. We’ve found this simple trick instantly makes the dish feel more comforting and restaurant-style.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

I love making Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice because it always smells amazing in the kitchen. The chicken comes out juicy and the skin turns golden and crispy every bite feels so special. I like coating the rice with the chicken fat, garlic, and ginger; it makes the rice so soft and flavorful. Cooking this dish reminds me of my childhood in Singapore, eating with family. It’s fun, simple, and makes everyone happy at the table!

1. Use a fresh chicken it makes the meat juicier.
2. Rub the chicken skin with salt before cooking for soft, tasty skin.
3. Don’t skip blanching the chicken; it keeps the skin smooth.
4. Let the chicken rest in the fridge with marinade for more flavor.
5. Cook the rice with chicken fat, garlic, and ginger for extra taste.
6. Be careful when deep-frying; hot oil can splash.
7. Add cucumber or coriander on top it makes the dish fresh and colorful.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) to maintain crispy skin, or steam lightly to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs on this Copycat Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe

When you give this Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I use a regular chicken instead of corn-fed?

Yes! We’ve tried it with regular chicken too. Corn-fed gives a closer flavor to kampung chicken, but any fresh chicken works well. Just make sure it’s not frozen.

2. Do I have to deep-fry the chicken?

Not always. We deep-fry for crispy skin, but you can roast in the oven if you want a lighter version. Just keep an eye on the skin for golden color.

3. Can I skip the chicken fat in the rice?

You could, but we highly recommend using it. It makes the rice rich, aromatic, and so flavorful you’ll notice the difference immediately.

4. How long should I marinate the chicken?

From our experience, 1–2 hours works best. It gives enough time for the marinade to sink in and flavor the meat deeply.

5. Can I make the rice without a rice cooker?

Absolutely! We often use a saucepan on the stove. Just make sure to cover it and cook on low heat so the rice absorbs all the flavors.

6. What’s the best garnish for this dish?

We love spring onions, coriander, and cucumber slices. They add freshness and a little crunch to each bite.

7. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours before serving. Keep it in the fridge and reheat gently so it stays juicy.

8. How spicy should the chili sauce be?

That’s up to you. We like it medium spicy it adds a nice kick without overpowering the chicken.

9. Can I use garlic and ginger paste instead of fresh?

We’ve tried it, and it works in a pinch. Fresh ginger and garlic give the best aroma and flavor though.

10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the juicy chicken and soft rice. Just keep the chili sauce separate if your little ones can’t handle spice.

This Roasted Hainan Chicken Rice Recipe combines tradition with a modern twist, delivering juicy chicken and aromatic rice that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and impress your family or friends with this flavorful fusion dish. Share your experience and let me know which version you prefer classic poached or roasted perfection!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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