The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
I’m all about comfort food, and there’s something magical about a claypot meal. It brings back memories of sitting around the table with family and enjoying hearty, soul-warming dishes. Today, I’m sharing a fun twist on Hainanese chicken rice this Hainanese chicken rice-inspired claypot rice is just the perfect thing to satisfy those cravings. While it may not be quite as delicious as the authentic dish, it sure does hit the spot. Plus, we can’t forget the crispy bottom a total game-changer!
Method
Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken thighs. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, chicken powder, turmeric powder, and sesame oil. Rub this flavorful mixture evenly over the skin of the chicken thighs. This seasoning not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also creates a nice, aromatic coating for the skin. Set the chicken aside to allow the flavors to soak in while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Prep the Rice
Wash the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, especially if you’re using long grain rice. Soaking helps to ensure the rice cooks evenly and results in a fluffier texture. Drain the rice after soaking, and set it aside for later use.
Start Cooking in the Claypot
Heat your claypot over medium heat and add a little fat from the chicken thighs (or use some oil if preferred). Allow the fat to render, which will add a deep, savory flavor to the dish. Once the fat is hot and sizzling, toss in the minced garlic, shallots, spring onions, and ginger. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and tender, stirring occasionally. This step helps to build the base of the dish and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Afterward, add the drained rice to the pot along with the chicken broth. Stir gently to mix everything, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Cook the Chicken and Rice
Now, place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice. This allows the juices from the chicken to drip into the rice, infusing it with flavor. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes. This slow cooking process will allow the rice to absorb all the wonderful flavors while the chicken becomes tender and juicy. It’s important not to disturb the chicken while it’s cooking to maintain the skin’s texture.
Crispy Bottom Magic
Once the chicken is cooked and the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, it’s time to work on the crispy bottom a key feature of this dish. Increase the heat to medium-high and carefully add a little more oil around the edges of the pot. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes without stirring. The heat will form a crispy, golden-brown crust at the bottom of the rice, which gives each bite an irresistible crunch. Be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning the rice.
Necessary Tools
- Claypot (or any heavy-bottomed pot)
- Knife and chopping board
- Small bowls for mixing sauces and spices
- Mortar and pestle or blender (for the chili sauce)
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Hainanese Chicken Rice Inspired Claypot Rice
Cuisine: ChineseDifficulty: EasyServings
3
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
25
minutesTotal time
55
minutesIngredients
2 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
1/4 tsp chicken powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Pinch of salt (to rub over chicken skin and a bit into the top coat sauce)
2 tsp sesame oil
Some fat from the chicken thighs (or oil)
For the Aromatics
1-2 spring onions, minced
1/2 shallot, minced
1/2 inch ginger, minced
1 garlic clove, sliced
For the Rice
160-170 ml chicken broth
150g jasmine rice
For the Scallion Ginger Oil
2 spring onions
1/2 inch ginger
Pinch of salt
1-2 tbsp hot oil
For the Sweet Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce)
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp oyster sauce
1/2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp broth
Splash of sesame oil
For the Chili Sauce
3 chilies
2 garlic cloves
1/2 inch ginger
1 tsp oil
1/2 lime juice
Pinch of salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp broth
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
Mix salt, chicken powder, turmeric powder, and oil together. Rub this mixture over the skin of the chicken thighs for that extra flavor boost. - Prep the Rice
Wash the rice and soak it for about 30 minutes if you’re using long grain rice to ensure it cooks evenly. - Start Cooking in the Claypot
Heat your claypot over medium heat and add the chicken fat to render it.
Once the fat’s sizzling, toss in the garlic, shallots, spring onions, and ginger. Fry these for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the soaked rice and chicken broth to the pot, bringing it to a boil. - Cook the Chicken and Rice
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes. - Crispy Bottom Magic
For that crispy bottom (my personal favorite part), raise the heat to medium-high, add a bit of oil around the edges of the pot, and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Notes
- Rice Texture Be sure not to stir the rice while it’s cooking in the pot. Stirring will make the rice too soft and might cause it to burn at the bottom.
- Watch the Crispy Bottom For the crispy rice at the bottom, make sure you don’t overdo it with the heat. Keep it on medium-high for just 2-3 minutes to get the perfect crunch without burning.
- Chicken Cooking Time Don’t overcook the chicken. You want it to be juicy and tender, not dry, so keep an eye on the cooking time!
Serving Suggestions
This claypot rice makes a great meal on its own, but if you’re looking to jazz things up, try serving it with a fresh cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables on the side. You could even drizzle a bit of extra chili sauce on top for an extra kick of flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the crispy bottom of rice (known as “crust” or “socarrat” in some cultures) is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world? It’s a treat that’s often fought over at the table!
Conclusion
This Hainanese chicken rice-inspired claypot rice is such a comforting dish with all the flavors we love: aromatic rice, tender chicken, and a crispy bottom that makes every bite feel extra special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking, and don’t forget the chili sauce it really ties everything together!
