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Discover a lighter take on one of Singapore’s most iconic comfort dishes — Hainan Chicken Rice. This healthy version is made with skinless chicken breast, fragrant jasmine rice, and a flavorful homemade chili sauce, all in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup. It’s a wholesome, balanced bowl that’s lower in oil but still rich in taste, perfect for clean eating without giving up the flavors you love. Whether you’re new to Asian cooking or just craving something satisfying yet nourishing, this recipe brings a fresh, feel-good twist to a beloved classic.

Chicken Rice

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese, Singapore

Ingredients Equipment Instructions Video Nutrition

Ingredients

For Chicken Rice:

400 g skinless chicken breast (2 packs of 200g, more than enough for 2 people)
3 cups jasmine rice
5 garlic cloves (minced)
1 inch ginger (minced)
1–2 scallions (minced)
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp salt
Cucumber and coriander (for garnish)
6 cups water

For Chili Sauce:

Reserved fried garlic scallion & ginger (from base)
5 red chili (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil

Equipment

1 Large wok or deep pot (for one-pot cooking, or rice cooker)
1 Strainer (for rinsing rice)
1 Knife and chopping board
1 Small bowl (for chili sauce)
1 Rice cooker (optional alternative)
Plates (for serving)
Cutlery (for serving)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
Marinate the skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Wash the Rice
Rinse 3 cups of jasmine rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
Prep Aromatics
Mince scallions, garlic, and ginger. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large wok or deep pot.
Stir-Fry the Base
Add aromatics to the wok. Stir-fry until golden and fragrant. Scoop out half and set aside for the chili sauce.
Mix in the Rice
Add drained jasmine rice into the wok. Stir well with 1 tablespoon of salt to coat in the fragrant oil and aromatics.
Add Water First, Then Chicken
Pour in 6 cups of water to the rice. Gently place marinated chicken breasts on top.
Cover and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.
Turn off heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
(You can also use a rice cooker for this step — just place everything in and press ‘cook’!)
Make the Chili Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the reserved fried garlic, scallion, and ginger with chopped red chili, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Slice and Serve
Remove the chicken and slice. Fluff the rice.
Serve in bowls with cucumber slices, coriander, and your homemade chili sauce.

Watch & Cook

Health Benefits

Lean Protein from Chicken Breast
Supports muscle building, metabolism, and keeps you feeling full longer.
Fragrant Jasmine Rice
Provides clean, easily digestible energy—perfect for a balanced meal.
Aromatics (Garlic, Ginger, Scallion)
Boosts immunity, aids digestion, and adds flavor without extra calories.
Homemade Chili Sauce
Fresh chili and lime promote metabolism and help balance the richness.
Low Oil Cooking
Using only 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for the entire dish keeps it lighter.
Fresh Vegetables
Cucumber and coriander add hydration, fiber, and freshness to every bite.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: ~440 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~38g
Fat: ~11g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~2g
Sodium: ~800mg (adjustable based on salt & soy sauce usage)

The Sharr Blend

Healthy Singapore’s Iconic Dish 🇸🇬 | Hainanese Chicken Rice