Introducing my Rice Cooker Hainan Chicken—a delightful twist on a classic dish that’s a perfect weeknight meal for busy people. This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring just one pot for everything, making cleanup a breeze. With the help of your rice cooker, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked rice in no time. It’s a simple, yet satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’ll love this Rice Cooker Hainan Chicken because it’s the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. The entire meal is cooked in one pot, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle. The rice cooker does all the work, delivering tender, juicy chicken and fragrant rice with minimal effort. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Also, when you pair the chicken with a ginger scallion sauce, you will be coming back to this recipe all the time!
Ingredients
For the Hainan Chicken
- Chicken thighs: I recommend using bone-in, skin on chicken thighs for maximum flavor. The fat renders and the rice soaks it all up in the cooking process.
- Salt and white pepper: Seasons the chicken and rice.
- Sesame oil: adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the chicken and rice.
- Rice: A key component for the one pot dish.
- Chicken stock: I recommend using low-sodium so you can adjust the seasoning yourself.
- Ginger: Adds a ton of aroma and flavor.
- Garlic: Adds depth and flavor.
- Scallions: Adds onion flavor to the chicken and rice.
For the Ginger Scallion Sauce
- Scallions: One of the key components to the sauce that gives the sauce an oniony flavor.
- Ginger: One of the key components of the sauce that adds aroma and depth.
- Avocado Oil: Slight flavor and heart healthy.
- Salt: Seasoning to the sauce, adjust to your taste.
How to Make Rice Cooker Hainan Chicken
- Wash and drain the rice three times and add to a rice cooker.
- Add salt and pepper to chicken thighs. Then add sesame oil, chicken stock, ginger, garlic, scallion, and chicken thighs to the rice cooker with the rice. Make sure chicken thighs sits deep in the rice. Choose automatic rice cook setting and turn on.
- While rice is cooking, make the sauce by adding scallions and ginger to a food processor and blend until finely minced. Transfer paste to a bowl then add avocado oil and salt and mix well.
- When rice cooker is done cooking, open the lid and fluff the rice. To serve, slice chicken thighs into strips, serve with rice and garnish with sliced cucumbers, ginger scallion sauce, and hot sauce.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This can be reheated in the microwave.