Imagine a plate of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a splash of zesty sauce that makes your taste buds dance. Hainan Chicken Rice is a beloved dish that’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Let’s explore some easy recipes that will bring the taste of this iconic dish right to your kitchen!
Classic Hainan Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe from Singaporean and Malaysian Recipes
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 2 ч 20 мин

Classic Hainanese Chicken Rice (khao man gai) from Hot Thai Kitchen
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 ч 30 мин
This recipe is the traditional version of Hainan Chicken Rice, showcasing the pure flavors of the chicken and rice. The chicken is poached gently, resulting in meat that’s juicy and tender, while the rice is cooked in rich chicken broth, giving it a savory taste.
Ingredients are straightforward: fresh chicken, garlic, ginger, jasmine rice, and a dash of soy sauce. What makes this recipe special is how it highlights the simplicity of quality ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Serve it with a side of chili sauce for a little kick, and you’ll have a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Spicy Hainan Chicken Rice Bowl

Classic Hainanese Chicken Rice (khao man gai) from Hot Thai Kitchen
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 ч 30 мин

Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe from Singaporean and Malaysian Recipes
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 2 ч 20 мин
If you love a bit of heat, this spicy twist on the classic dish will tickle your taste buds! The chicken is marinated in a blend of chili paste and soy sauce before being poached, adding a delightful zing. The rice is cooked in chicken broth but boosted with a touch of coconut milk for creaminess.
Key ingredients include chicken thighs, chili paste, jasmine rice, coconut milk, and fresh cilantro. What makes this bowl irresistible is the balance of spice and creaminess. Top it with fresh veggies like cucumbers and carrots for a crunchy contrast, and you’ll have a vibrant meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Hainan Chicken Rice with Ginger Scallion Sauce

One Pot – Hainanese Chicken Rice from Cook With Dana
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 1 h 5 min Total Time: 1 h 5 min.
This version is all about the vibrant ginger scallion sauce that takes the dish to the next level. The chicken is poached in a fragrant broth, similar to the classic recipe, but the real star here is the sauce made from fresh ginger, scallions, and sesame oil.
For this recipe, you’ll need chicken, ginger, scallions, and sesame oil. What makes this dish a favorite is how the zesty sauce complements the tender chicken, adding a burst of flavor that makes each bite exciting. Serve it with a scoop of rice and let that sauce drizzle over everything for a meal that’s simple yet extraordinary!
Vegetarian Hainan Chicken Rice

Hainanese “Chicken” Rice (Vegan) from The Foodie Takes Flight
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 1 h 20 min Total Time: 1 h 20 min.

Vegan Hainanese Chicken Rice from Veggie Anh
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 30 min Total Time: 1 h 30 min.
Who says you need chicken to enjoy this dish? This vegetarian version uses hearty mushrooms and tofu, making it a perfect alternative for plant-based eaters. The mushrooms are sautéed in a garlic-ginger marinade, giving them a deep, savory flavor, while the rice is still cooked in a rich vegetable broth.
Key ingredients include shiitake mushrooms, firm tofu, jasmine rice, and a splash of soy sauce. What makes this recipe so special is how it captures the essence of Hainan Chicken Rice while being completely meat-free. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of sesame oil, and you’ll have a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy!