How to Make Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice at Home - Chef Scott Biffin
                     How to Make Authentic 
Hainanese Chicken Rice 
at Home
Master this iconic Southeast Asian dish with simple 
techniques and quality ingredients. Tender poached chicken, 
fragrant rice, and bold sauces come together in perfect 
harmony.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
The Art of Simplicity
Hainanese Chicken Rice is Three Essential 
deceptively minimal, no Techniques
heavy seasoning or 
•
complicated spice mixes. Gentle poaching for silky 
The magic lies in precise texture
cooking methods that • Ice bathing to stop cooking
transform simple • Rice cooked in rich 
ingredients into something chicken stock infused 
eAxctcroarodridnign atory C. hef with garlic and ginger
Scott Biffin, mastering 
these fundamentals 
separates an average 
version from a truly 
authentic one.
Gather Your Ingredients
For the Chicken For the Rice For the Sauces
• 1 whole free-range • Jasmine rice • Chili sauce (red chilies, 
chicken (1.5 kg) • Chicken stock from poaching garlic, vinegar)
• Fresh ginger slices • Garlic and ginger • Ginger sauce (minced 
• Garlic cloves ginger, oil, salt)• Chicken fat or oil
• Spring onions • Dark soy sauce
• Salt
STEP 1
Poach the Chicken Gently
Bring a large pot of water to a light boil with ginger, garlic, and 
spring onions. Lower the chicken in slowly, ensuring it's fully 
submerged.
Reduce to a gentle simmer—never a rolling boil. Cook for 
30–35 minutes, depending on size.
Once cooked, immediately transfer the chicken into an 
ice bath. This stops the cooking process and gives the 
chicken its signature silky skin.
STEP 2
Don't Waste the Broth
Liquid Gold Complete the Meal
That poaching liquid is precious. Skim off Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice always 
impurities and reserve it for cooking the rice includes a light, aromatic broth to complete the 
and serving as soup on the side. experience.
STEP 3
Cook the Fragrant Rice
Sauté Aromatics
In a pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger in chicken fat or 
oil until aromatic.
Coat the Rice
Add washed jasmine rice and stir to coat every grain with 
the fragrant oil.
Cook in Stock
Transfer to rice cooker. Replace water with reserved 
chicken stock and cook until fluffy.
This rice should be rich, savory, and slightly glossy—the heart of the dish.
STEP 4
Make the Signature Sauces
The sauces are non-negotiable. This is where you can personalize the dish while staying authentic.
Chili Sauce Ginger Sauce
Punchy heat from red chilies, garlic, and vinegar. Adjust Fresh and bright with minced ginger, oil, and salt. Brings 
spice level to taste. lightness to the dish.
STEP 5
Assemble Like a Pro
01 02
Chop Neatly Garnish Fresh
Cut the chicken into uniform Add cucumber slices and 
pieces. Drizzle with a little cilantro for color and freshness.
sesame oil for extra flavor.
03
Serve Complete
Plate with rice, all three sauces, and a bowl of warm broth on the side.
"Presentation matters—simple, clean, and inviting."
— Chef Scott Biffin
The Final Result
What You have Created Why It Works
A perfectly balanced meal Great food doesn't need to 
where tender poached be complicated. With 
chicken, fragrant rice, and patience and respect for 
bold sauces work together the process, you've 
in harmony. Each element recreated a Southeast Asian 
complements the others classic with confidence.
without overpowering.
A Timeless Favorite Worth 
Mastering
Comfort Food Perfect for Sharing
Once you nail the technique, it Whether cooking for family or 
becomes a go-to meal that never exploring classic Asian cuisine, this 
fails to impress. dish brings people together.
Build Your Skills
Master the fundamentals and you'll have a foundation for countless other dishes.
Hainanese Chicken Rice proves that with simple ingredients and proper 
technique, you can create something truly special.