When you see a street food stall with neatly arranged pieces of cooked chicken, you should know that it's one of the most beloved dishes in China known as "Hainanese Chicken Rice."
It's a common sight at hawker centers throughout Singapore and is also served in many high-end restaurants and hotel cafés. The dish comes in various forms: bite-sized chicken pieces or a whole chicken for group dining, served with fragrant rice, spicy chili sauce, and a flavorful ginger sauce.
This dish is adapted from recipes brought by early immigrants from Hainan Island off the southern coast of China. Locally, it's known as "Wenchang Chicken." They use a special breed of chicken known for its lean meat and delicate skin, served with chicken oil-infused rice. The addition of a vibrant green chili dipping sauce enhances the flavors of the dish.
Singaporean-style Chicken Rice
While this cooking method originated in Hainan, it has acquired unique Singaporean characteristics. The chicken is either poached or blanched in boiling water until fully cooked and then plunged into ice water to maintain its tender texture. According to local variations, the chicken can also be brushed with soy sauce and grilled or roasted for a different texture.
In Singapore, this dish is influenced by Cantonese cuisine, featuring spicy red chili dipping sauce and tender chicken.
However, the success of this dish depends on the rice and the chili. The rice is cooked with chicken stock, ginger, and pandan leaves, and it should have just the right amount of oil. The chili sauce should strike a perfect balance between spiciness and tanginess.
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