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Rice Cooker Hainanese Chicken Rice (High Protein)

Learn how to make Rice Cooker Hainanese Chicken Rice with juicy chicken, fragrant ginger-garlic rice, and minimal effort. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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Ingredients

Hainanese Chicken Rice

  • 6 chicken drumsticks or about 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 rice cooker cups jasmine rice rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1- inch fresh ginger
  • 1 medium onion roughly chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 3 pandan leaves tied into knots
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Winter Melon Soup

  • 5 cups water
  • ½ chicken bouillon cube
  • ¼ cup fish sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon dried shrimp
  • 2 pounds winter melon peeled and cut into large chunks

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

  • Rub the chicken with the salt and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

  • Add the ginger, onion, and garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely minced.
  • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the aromatic mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed rice and pandan leaves. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the aromatic flavors.
  • Transfer everything to the rice cooker.

Step 3: Cook

  • Pour the chicken stock into the rice cooker and stir gently.
  • Arrange the chicken over the rice, skin-side down.
  • Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the chicken.
  • Close the lid and cook using the regular white rice setting.
  • Once the rice cooker switches to Keep Warm, let everything rest for 10 to 15 minutes before opening the lid.
  • Fluff the rice gently and serve with the chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Winter Melon Soup

  • While the rice cooks, combine the water, chicken bouillon, fish sauce, dried shrimp, and winter melon in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the winter melon becomes soft and translucent.
  • Serve alongside the chicken rice.

Notes

No chicken stock?

Use 2 cups water + 1 chicken bouillon cube instead.

Want even more flavor?

Throw a few slices of fresh ginger and an extra pandan leaf on top of the chicken before cooking.

Meal Prep

Store the chicken, rice, and soup separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Protein Boost

For an even higher-protein meal, use skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. You can also serve each bowl with a soft-boiled egg or extra sliced chicken breast.