Chicken Rice

Global • non_veg

140

kcal

5.2g

Protein

22.5g

Carbs

3.1g

Fat

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About Chicken Rice

Hainanese chicken rice with fragrant rice and chili sauce

How to Make Chicken Rice (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

medium

Chicken Rice is a beloved staple in Malaysian cuisine, celebrated for its aromatic rice and succulent poached chicken. Rooted in Malaysia’s vibrant multicultural food heritage, this dish captures the essence of local flavors with ingredients like pandan leaves, ginger, and lemongrass. Each bite offers a comforting balance of fragrant rice, tender ayam (chicken), and flavorful homemade sambal, making it a favorite for lunch across the country. Malaysian Chicken Rice is more than just a meal; it's a culinary experience enjoyed from bustling street stalls to family kitchens. The rice is simmered in natural chicken stock with daun pandan, giving it a uniquely Malaysian aroma. Served with a side of tangy chili sauce and refreshing cucumber slices, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying. Its simplicity, yet depth of flavor, showcases the heart of Malaysia’s diverse food culture, making it a wholesome choice for those seeking an authentic, healthy Malaysian lunch.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly

Ingredients(for 1 medium plate with chicken and rice)

250g Skinless chicken breast (ayam)
1 cup Jasmine rice (beras wangi)
2 leaves Pandan leaves (daun pandan, knotted)
2-inch piece Ginger (halia, sliced)
3 cloves Garlic (bawang putih, minced)
1 stalk Lemongrass (serai, bruised)
1/2 Cucumber (sliced)
1/2 tsp Low-sodium salt
1/4 tsp White pepper (lada putih)
1 tsp Sesame oil - optional
1 stalk Spring onion (daun bawang, chopped) - optional

Instructions

1
Rinse the jasmine rice until water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
5 minutes
Rinsing removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
2
Fill a pot with 750ml water. Add chicken breast, ginger, lemongrass, and low-sodium salt. Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes or until chicken is just cooked. Remove chicken and reserve the stock.
10 minutes
Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it tender.
3
In a rice cooker, add rinsed rice, pandan leaves, minced garlic, and 2 cups of reserved chicken stock. Cook rice as usual.
20 minutes
Pandan leaves infuse the rice with authentic Malaysian aroma.
4
While rice cooks, brush cooked chicken with a little sesame oil for flavor and moisture. Slice the chicken before serving.
3 minutes
Skip sesame oil for a lighter version if desired.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This healthy Chicken Rice recipe is lighter than traditional versions, using skinless chicken breast and less oil. Cooking rice in natural chicken broth reduces the need for added fats while boosting flavor. The inclusion of aromatics like ginger and lemongrass not only enhances taste but also supports digestion and immune function. Overall, it's a wholesome, satisfying meal that fits well into a balanced, calorie-conscious diet.

This Malaysian Chicken Rice recipe is designed to be balanced and nutritious. Lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein, supporting muscle health and satiety. Jasmine rice offers energy-giving carbohydrates, while the addition of ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and pandan delivers antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Using minimal oil and low-sodium salt helps reduce unhealthy fats and sodium, making this dish suitable for heart health. The cucumber adds fiber, vitamin K, and hydration.